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OUR HISTORY
Canadian missionary Lawrence Christopher Ulseth came to Trinidad with his wife Esther and three young children in 1954. They first ministered in San Francique and Point Fortin, but the burden for San Fernando, their home base, was boldly impressed on their hearts. So it was that in 1956, after a joint full gospel crusade at the historic Rodriguez building on the King’s Wharf, Rev. Ulseth started a new work at a Friendly Society Hall on Chacon Street. It was the first meeting place of the new church known as the Evangelistic Centre. He was everything in those days – he functioned as song-leader, preacher, Sunday School teacher and his family pitched in wherever necessary.
This hall, the only vacant accommodation available at the time, became the cradle of a movement rooted in faith, hope, and spirit. The initial congregation was small, few in number but vast in anticipation. Despite the uncertainties, they possessed something far greater than numbers - they had hope, they had love, they had spirit.
The Lord added to the church and in July of 1957 they moved to more spacious accommodation at lower Chacon Street.
In 1958 when the church started sponsoring the RevivalTime Programme, its name “Evagelistic Centre” was changed to RevivalTime Assembly, in order that there would be a link with the broadcast and the church.
In January of 1962, the growing congregation moved again to the Steel Building affectionately called “the Steel Shed” at Lady Hailes Avenue. We stayed there for thirty-two years.
REV. LLOYD & SIS. HART : 1990 - 2023
The land on which our current building stands on St. Vincent St., along with adjacent lots, was purchased in 1985. In 1990, Revs. Larry and Esther Ulseth retired to the Shepherd Manor in Toronto, Canada and the mantle of RTA’s leadership was passed to Revs. Lloyd and Norma Hart.The construction of the new RTA church home on St. Vincent Street began in 1992 under the leadership of the new pastor, Rev. Lloyd Hart. He was ably assisted in the management of this project by his wife Rev. Norma Hart. RTA held its first service in the existing building on Christmas day 1993, and the building was officially dedicated at our Anniversary Service on 10th July, 1994. Praise the Lord!
RevivalTime Assembly became a great outreach in this city of San Fernando, hosting many crusades, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to much of South Trinidad, and planting branch churches in various locations including La Romaine, Williamsville, Ste. Madeleine, Hermitage, Pleasantville and Tarouba.
The evangelistic thrust of RTA saw us throughout the years hosting open-air services within San Fernando and the church’s environs, including at Embacadere, Springvale and the Waterfront areas. Other aspects of evangelism included house-to-house visitation, radio ministry as well as hospital visitation, the Waterfront Ministry and the Caring Ministry.
Over the years, God has blessed the Assembly with a number of gifted ministers. Some of them have gone on to pastor their own congregations, while others serve as evangelists and missionaries in various parts of the world. Many have stayed and contributed greatly to the growth and development of the Assembly.
In 2006 we celebrated our 50th anniversary when we sought to emphasize that we are “a positioned people”. God in his divine foresight and wisdom positioned RevivalTime Assembly for purpose- to be a beacon of hope in the city of San Fernando. We have been set up by God to bring hope, through the gospel, to this community. Our church growth has been largely due to our evangelistic efforts and prayer, pillars that were established by the Ulseths and continued under the Harts’ leadership. One thing we must emphasize is that our message has never changed! Jesus saves! Jesus is the answer!
On 30th June, 2023, the retirement of Revs. Lloyd and Norma Hart ushered RTA into a period of transition under the stewardship of Bishop Anthony Roberts.
REV GODFREY & SIS. GILKES : 2025 - PRESENT
On Sunday 2nd February, 2025, RTA saw the baton of leadership being passed to Rev. Godfrey Gilkes. After his installation, Pastor Gilkes introduced the church’s theme for 2025 as “Prayer, Power, Purpose”, which has been extended for the year 2026. Though the mantle was transferred, the message of prayer and evangelism continues to be the focus of RTA’s current leadership, headed by Senior Pastor Rev. Godfrey Gilkes, ably assisted by his wife Sis. Gillian Gilkes, with support being provided by RTA’s Assistant Pastors and members of the Church Board.Throughout the many changes RTA has undergone over the past 70 years, some things remain constant, God is still God, and as a church, we are still positioned for purpose!
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