A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

A History of Christian Doctrine
Hispanic surnames appear on the list.
Organizational Efforts in Canada
In Canada, most of the early Pentecostal leaders had
accepted the Jesus Name message. Some leaders—
including R. E. McAlister, George A. Chambers, R. E.
Sternall, Frank Small, and Howard Goss—began meeting
in 1917 to plan a Canadian organization. (Goss was pastor
in Picton, Ontario, at the time.) Their intention was to
work closely with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the
World, so they named their organization the Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada (PAOC). 89 Indeed, Chambers and
Goss were listed as PAW ministers for 1919-20. The two
most influential organizers were Chambers, the first general
chairman (superintendent), and McAlister, the first
secretary-treasurer. The group did not formally obtain a
federal charter until 1919.
Much like the Assemblies of God in 1914, in the first
meeting of the board of trustees the PAOC voted not to
adopt a doctrinal statement as a basis of fellowship.
Between 1917 and 1920, however, a shift took place away
from the Oneness position, with both Chambers and
McAlister repudiating the doctrine.
The first general assembly, held in November 1919
and attended by 31 ministers and lay delegates, issued the
following statement: “We recognize a three-fold relationship
of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost being clearly taught
in the New Testament. . . . As to baptism, we feel like leaving
the matter of formula with the individual.” 90 In late
1919 some independent Pentecostal churches in western
Canada joined the Assemblies of God. In 1920, the PAOC
itself affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Although this
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