Wednesday 24 July 20224
In Conversation with Bishop Rudolph McEwan
By Joy Osiagwu
The conversation with Bishop Rudolph McEwan SR was not just inspirational and emotional, but also a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to his ministerial gospel journey in Canada and diligent service to God and humanity for over fifty years.
Despite the challenges in the ministry due to the proliferation in the Church, Bishop McEwan believes that the work of God must go on. “There is no turning back,” he said.
Born to Walter and Dorenda McEwan in Kingston, Jamaica, Bishop McEwan, the eldest of five siblings, was ordained as an evangelist at nineteen. His migration to Canada in 1963 marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his life. He founded the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in 1969, and the current building at 3347 McCarthy Road was erected and dedicated in 1980. He pastored the Church for 28 years before moving on to establish in 1997, along with his wife, Leslie McEwan, the New Covenant Apostolic Church, where he continues to serve and pastor the flock.
In 1990, he was appointed Bishop by the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Inc. Bishop McEwan Sr., is known as the founding father of the Black Church in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Some of his honors and awards include but are not limited to:
Inspirational Award (2015 Black Canadian Awards) issued by The Diversity Advancement Network in recognition of his leadership in the Church, partnership with the Ottawa Police Department to provide intervention for at-risk youth, involvement in supplying food to the needy, and support for a local shelter for abused women.
In March 2010, the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) awarded Bishop McEwan the Heroes Among Us Award. This Award reflected his significant community contributions and unwavering commitment to his mission.
Click on this link to watch the video interview conducted on 4 March 2024. https://youtu.be/9yBvdrIx_vg?si=1FHJ_glNW4yme0wm