A move of the Holy Spirit descended on the Windsor-Detroit area in the early years of the 1920's. Numbers of Christians crossed the river weekly to worship with fellow believers. Soon prayer meetings in private homes began to appear in Windsor. In August 1923, Brother Marshall and Brother William Courtney rented a hall on Ouellette Avenue to hold the first public Pentecostal meeting on this side of the Detroit River. Less than twenty attended this initial meeting; however, this series of meetings was going to provide the fertile ground for the upcoming spiritual harvest. In October 1923, Rev. Clifford Nelson was asked to become Pastor of the fledgling church. His pastorate was assisted by worshippers from the Detroit area churches.

As the church grew, it first moved to a store on Glengarry Avenue, then to the vacant United Church on Giles Boulevard in May 1924. The Lord continued to bless with growth of new adherents, and in November 1925, Rev. Philpotts became the Pastor. Under his direction, the congregation rented the Baptist Church on the corner of Bruce and London streets in downtown Windsor, God's blessing descended on the work, many souls were saved and baptized and many healed.

Rev. Remington became Pastor of Bethel in 1928 and remained until May of 1929 when Rev. James Swanson became Pastor. During the next six years the church experienced a healthy growth as the Lord richly blessed His people. When Rev. Swanson was elected General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in 1935, Rev. E. Morrison, a missionary to China (on furlough), was invited to replace him. The Lord continued to bless with new converts and the church grew to new heights. Under Rev. Morrison's direction, the congregation purchased the rented facilities in order to upgrade and enlarge the facility. Improvements were made, a significant amount of debt was paid off, and missions giving was expanded as the Holy Spirit worked among His people. In November 1938 Rev. Morrison returned to the Mission field in China and Rev. F. Jolley replaced him as Pastor. For the following five years more souls were added to the Kingdom and the church grew steadily.

In April 1943, Rev. William Fitch was invited to become Pastor of the growing church and in 1948 it became evident that the present building would not be adequate for the needs of the congregation. Sod was turned in 1948 and by May 1951 the new Bethel building was opened and dedicated to the Lord. Under Pastor Fitch's able leadership the church experienced unprecedented growth and blessing. In spite of slowdown and recessions in the auto-oriented economy of Windsor, the church continued to grow and enlarge. A number of new ministries were begun and missions giving set new records. Through the thirty years of Pastor Fitch's ministry hundreds were reached for God; many young people entered the Lord's work; healing revivals were held and miracles performed. Pastor Fitch himself was struck down with a stroke, but as the congregation and Christians on both sides of the border interceded with prayer, he was miraculously delivered.

When Pastor Counsell accepted a call to St. Catherines in April 1985, Rev. George Carroll with his wife Ruby and family came to University Gospel Temple as new Pastors and leaders. Under his able leadership the church continued to grow, new programs implemented and staff expanded.

During 1986, the Pastor, Board of Deacons and congregation embarked on a new building program that entailed a 5.5 million dollar complex on E.C. Row Expressway at Central Avenue. The road was named Temple Drive and the church was named Parkwood Gospel Temple. Included was a 2800 seat sanctuary, a 200 seat chapel (dedicated to the memory of Pastor William Fitch), a library (dedicated to the memory of Pastor J. Counsell), an 11 classroom school housing Temple Christian Academy, a large high school size gymnasium/fellowship hall, a four office Family Life/Counselling office and a restaurant size kitchen and banquet facility.

In addition, the Parkwood Gospel Temple complex embraces a 62 unit Senior Citizen Housing facility, surrounded by a wood lot to be developed into a green belt park area for the benefit of seniors and church members. The dedication and grand opening were held August 6, 1989.

In July of 1995 Rev. Mark Hazzard joined the staff as Associate Pastor with Pastor Carroll. The Lord blessed the ministry of these men and the church continued to expand within and into the community. June 1996 saw the departure of Pastor Carroll to administrative duties at District Office in Burlington, Ontario. Pastor Hazzard assumed the role of Senior Pastor at that time and has been led of the Lord in the growing assembly.

In response to the growth of the ministry, Rev. Ross Perry was invited to become Associate Pastor in September 1996. Parkwood Gospel Temple has birthed the Korean church, the Dove Deaf Fellowship church, the Romanian church and the Spanish church....all of which have expanded out to the ethnic and diverse population of Windsor.

We look forward eagerly to the challenge the Lord has provided. We feel that with the support of the Pastoral staff, the congregation of Parkwood Gospel Temple and the direction of the Holy Spirit, the church will continue to be a shining lighthouse for the Lord in this part of His vineyard.