CD Release this October 2020. Get the CD free with a book purchase of Black Church In Canada.
Dr. Spencer along with five black teenagers from ages 11-16 have creatively sketched the stories of Caribbean black leaders in Canada who started Black Churches in Canada in the book, “Hero’s of Faith”. This book is picturesque with written text and unique drawings that portrays the characters and stories of Caribbean Pioneers that came to Canada after the 1960’s. Hero’s of Faith is a great resource for children and youth to educate them on the contributions of Black Caribbeans who established Black Churches. Purchase a copy today and support our black youth who honour the legacies and sacrifices of Black Canadians.
Most writings on the Black Church in Canada deal with the historical Black Churches in the Baptist or Methodist movements mainly pointing to the groups of Blacks who have lived in Canada for several generations. Canadian researchers have yet to capture the establishment of the Black Pentecostal Church which grew rapidly following the mass influx of immigrants from the Caribbean.
As Black Caribbean’s settled in Canada seeking to integrate into the Canadian landscape, not all were welcomed by White churches they attended. It wasn’t long till the harsh reality of racism forced many to create their own Black Churches, which have had a significant influence in the community to this present day.
In this book, Dr. Spencer a university academic and church historian, chronicles the historical trajectories of the Canadian Black Churches of the Pentecostal-Oneness movement by tracing its 100 year roots to Jamaica, England and into Canada. This historical book is in dedication to the Caribbean Pioneers and their congregants who sacrificed their livelihoods to establish Black Churches in the 1960’s and beyond. This book documents and unravels the rich oral histories of Black Caribbeans who ensured their communities had places of worship where their social, spiritual and financial needs could be addressed for generations to come.
The Black Church in Canada: Apostolic Trailblazers of the Past, Present & Future captures over three hundred photos as early as the 1920’s that both young and old will relate to. “This story must be told and this book is a keepsake for generations to come. If you ever wanted to know about a piece of Canadian history where Afro-Caribbeans are the focus of the story, this book is for you” says Spencer.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Truce family. But this year, things are different for Jacklyn Ryan-Truce, who tries to balance motherhood, marriage and a questionable new business venture that is putting a strain on her family’s finances. With her loving hubby Nate, demanding twin teens, a bustling 10-year-old and the unexpected arrival of baby Kiki, Jacklyn is trying hard to make this Christmas extra special. Witty Mama G and Aunty Bell keeps the family happy by reminiscing and singing about the good times “back home”. But its quickly interrupted by persistent creditors, changed behaviours and a family that is unravelling with the pressures of Christmas.
The plays narrative subtilty centres on Leah, an observant and persistent 10 year old who loves to write but no one is interested in her stories, everyone is just too busy. So, she embarks on a letter writing campaign to God where she makes some special requests that miraculously helps her family to reclaim the important things of life and the true meaning of Christmas. Sing along and enjoy this heartfelt Christmas story about family, simplicity and being good to others.
A Letter To God premiers in Toronto and Brampton.
A story about faith, friendship and forgiveness
Amazing Grace is the sequel to Melody of Deception and final installment of the Private Pain In Public Pews stage play series, Amazing Grace tells the story of Rebecca, an indomitable woman seeking love and revenge. After being reunited with her friend Grace at the local detention centre, an extraordinary twist of fate brings her face to face with the person she’s yearned to see, one more time. Two worlds come together in this moving and inspiring musical play that uncovers the realities of “life within and outside of the pews”.
Amazing Grace performed at the Yorkwoods Theatre in Toronto and the Rose Theatre in Brampton.
A dazzling dramedy about love, hope and redemption
Adapted from Spencer’s previous work “Prayer Still Works”, this story focuses on the after math of the Terry-Tia infamous “fall” and Terry’s relentless focus to get his life back on track. But with some unexpected news that Tia gets from her Doctor, it sparks more questions than answers that may affect Terry’s life forever.
Meanwhile foundational members Mother Blair & Sis Betty schools a new zealous Minister of how to be “SAVED” and ignored Minister Gabriel reminds the whole church about his messages that all comes full circle.
SAVED The Stage play is a heartfelt drama of love and redemption juxtaposed with comedic moments of wisdom, intrigue and good ole fashioned Gospel Music. Your joy will be complete with SAVED
SAVED performed in Toronto, Windsor, Hamilton & Montreal.
The Trust God play deals with church secrets and the private lives that hold them. It’s no secret the Christian church has been experiencing a period of turbulence. From the Pulpit to the Pew, leaders and laypersons are falling from their pedestals one after the next with scandals of infidelity, double lives and money obsessions. But the real secrets are embedded in the stories of pain behind these scandals. And that’s where this theatrical stage play, Private Pain in Public Pews comes in.
Re-launched and edited from Dr. Spencer’s original play Private Pain In Public Pews, the story focuses on Minister Terry and his wife Lydia who are admired by the congregation. But their picture perfect image is threatened when Terry’s old flame Tia, weasels her way back into his life. Terry tries hard to run from his past but ends up hitting a brick wall.
Beautifully written and emotionally captivating this play focuses on the need to Trust God even when our trust has been shattered.
Trust God performed in Toronto, Jamaica and the UK.
Heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist, Mahalia Jackson, “The Queen of Gospel,” became one of the most influential gospel artists in the world. Tracing her rise from poverty in New Orleans to her move to Chicago in the midst of the Great Migration, The Mahalia Jackson Musical follows the development of her career—with her dozen Gold Albums and four Grammy Awards—from touring local churches to performing before European Heads of state.
The play portrays the evolution of her activism, culminating with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic March on Washington, where she performed in front of 250,000 people.” The Mahalia Jackson musical was Directed by Lavarious Slaughter and executive produced by Kaleo Productions.
Mahalia Jackson performed in Toronto, Ontario.