Founder – Oswald Jeffrey Smith
Oswald was the eldest of ten children, born near Odessa, Ontario on November 8, 1889 to Benjamin and Alice aka ‘Maude’ Smith.
He accepted Christ on January 8, 1906, at age 16 and began preaching in 1908.
Seized with a desire to spread the gospel, he applied (unsuccessfully) for overseas missions at the age of nineteen.
Though frail and plagued with ill health, he began his earliest ministry in the backwoods of British Columbia.
Ministered a number of years with the Shantymen organization – a ministry which targeted logging camps.
Continually carried a passion for World Missions.
The church became a base of operation for the carrying out of his vision for world evangelism.
Life Accomplishments of Oswald J. Smith
- Founder of The Peoples Church, one of the greatest missionary churches in the world
- Was received by the Queen Elizabeth
- Was sought after as a pastor in the 1920’s
- Senior Pastor of The Peoples Church from 1928 to 1958
- Husband of Daisy and father of three children, two sons, Glen and Paul and a daughter, Hope
- Author of 35 books, published in 128 languages
- Wrote over 1200 hymns, poems and gospel songs
- Led his church in supporting over 500 missionaries and nationals each year worldwide
- Editor of his own ministry magazine for over 50 years
- Preached the gospel on radio and television for over three decades
- Toured 80 countries and conducted evangelistic crusades worldwide
Continued ministering, at home and abroad after his retirement.
Went to be with the Lord on January 25, 1986.
As a tribute to Oswald, there is now a permanent “Wall of Missions” capturing his Life, Work and Passion for Missions at Tyndale University, Toronto, and at The Peoples Church. It was unveiled on January 18, 2007, where his eldest son, Glen (Kay) and many other family members were present to be part of the memorable service. They are ecstatic of the legacy he has left behind.
The panoramic view is as
striking as it is informative.
Splashed across the walls of
the 
Hall of Missions at
Tyndale University College
and Seminary (the hall
joining both the college and
seminary) is a huge mural
depicting the life and work of
Oswald J. Smith. A similar
mural graces the east
corridor walls of The Peoples
Church in honour of its
visionary founder.
While Chair of the Global
Outreach Department at
Tyndale Seminary from 1990 – 2000, Irving Whitt wanted to
profile Canadian missions history as well as create a more
significant awareness for missions. Many years ago he
engaged in dialogue with The Peoples Church about the
possibility of the seminary recognizing the contribution of
Oswald Smith toward the global mission cause. As a result
of these meetings, plans were developed to create a large
montage to describe the life of Oswald J. Smith, and use it
as a central reminder; an anchor point if you will, in the
missional vision that Tyndale University College and
Seminary has for its students.
At that point The Peoples Church Missions Department
and Alain Demers were involved in the dialogue, along with
the then Senior Pastor, John Hull. Alain Demers was
contracted to design and produce the artwork and graphic
design of the mural. Clara Caddell and Lenora Grams joined
the project team to develop the text to accompany Alain’s
design. This was a daunting task, but it was performed
beautifully for which we are very grateful.
In early 2007, the finished design, complete with text, was
ready for the final steps. The manufacture and installation
of the panels both at Tyndale and The Peoples Church
were scheduled for late February and early March
respectively. Dr. Glen Smith and his wife Kay were invited
to be present at the unveiling of the finished project at
Tyndale on March 13, 2007, immediately following the
student chapel service and then to stay on for the
dedication of the finished project here at The Peoples
Church during the morning worship services on March
18th. Many of Oswald’s family joined us for the dedication
service. Dr. Glen Smith, Oswald Smith’s eldest son, spoke
eloquently of his joy at the completion of this tribute to his
father at these services. Glen and Kay then remained in
the auditorium to greet the many family and friends who
were so happy to see them.
Dr. Oswald J. Smith's Favourite Missionary Mottos:
"You must go or send a substitute." "If God wills the evangelization of the world, and you refuse to support missions, then you are opposed to the will of God." "Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God." "Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once?" "Give according to your income lest God make your income according to your giving." "Now let me burn out for Christ." "The Church which ceases to be evangelistic will soon cease to be evangelical." "This generation can only reach this generation." "The light that shines farthest shines brightest nearest home." "Not how much of my money will I give to God, but, how much of God's money will I keep for myself." "The supreme task of the Church is the evangelization of the world."
Passing of the Baton:
