Curious about the heart of St. Michael’s College? That’s where we find Brennan Hall.
Brennan Hall stands in the north-central section of the St. Michael’s College campus. It is a key building within the University of Toronto. Brennan Hall isn’t just a building. It’s a hub of activity and history.
The story of St. Michael’s College begins in 1852. Fr. Jean-Mathieu Soulerin and others from the Congregation of St. Basil founded it. They came from Annonay France. By 1853 St. Michael’s merged with St. Mary’s Lesser Seminary. It was under the Basilian Fathers’ control.
St. Michael’s educated pupils at three levels. It was a preparatory school a liberal arts college and a minor seminary. The Basilians got a large estate in 1853. John Elmsley a philanthropist donated it. St. Michael’s College then moved east of the University of Toronto. It established St. Basil’s Church.
Brennan Hall itself was built later. It was part of a Collegiate Gothic complex designed by Arthur William Holmes. This complex was built in 1935 in the Gothic Revival style.
Specifically Brennan Hall was completed in 1938. It provides a place for dining. It also has faculty rooms common rooms and guestrooms. Brennan Hall is more than just classrooms. It is a place for community.
Near Brennan Hall is a small park. It lies between the hall and St. Basil’s Church. This is Scollard Park named after Fr. Robert Scollard. He was an alumnus of St. Michael’s.
Elmsley Place a tree-lined street connects St. Joseph Street to Brennan Hall. This street was laid out around 1900. It is flanked by Victorian mansions.
Within Brennan Hall the Canada Room stands out. It is a dining hall that has been renovated and expanded.
Notably Fr. James Wilfrid Dore created the rockery in front of Brennan Hall. He maintained it for many years. This was in the 1930s.
St. Michael’s College has a rich tradition. Basilian priests served as stewards of the campus gardens. Fr. Robert Joseph Scollard cared for the flowers in Scollard Park. Fr. James Kelsey McConica planted the oak trees along Elmsley Place in 1988. He wanted to recreate the feeling of an English campus.
Today St. Michael’s College is an oasis. It is in the middle of Toronto’s concrete jungle. People appreciate its beautiful buildings gardens and trees.
Even television shows have used St. Michael’s as a backdrop. Law & Order Toronto and The Handmaid’s Tale filmed on campus.
As St. Michael’s College approaches its 180th anniversary it plans for the future. It is developing a campus and landscape plan. Brennan Hall will continue to be a central part of this plan.
Brennan Hall is not just a building. It is a place of community learning and history. It connects the past and the future of St. Michael’s College. Next time you are here take a moment. Reflect on the many stories Brennan Hall holds.