Unveiling the secrets of St Mary’s Church. That’s what we’re doing today. This magnificent building at 130 Bathurst Street has a story far richer than its stunning French Gothic Revival architecture suggests.
St Mary’s Church isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a living testament to Toronto’s history. Established in 1852 by Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine it served as a beacon of hope and faith. It was the only Catholic parish on the west side of the city.
But its history began even earlier. In 1835 Bishop Alexander Macdonell secured land for a church. Little did he know the land had a dark past. It served as an emergency cholera cemetery. Unmarked graves were discovered during the church’s foundation excavation. Imagine the unsettling discovery of human remains as they dug.
Two previous churches stood on this very spot. Both suffered structural problems due to unstable foundations. The first was a small white brick structure. The second despite iron girders also proved unstable.
The current St Mary’s Church was built between 1885 and 1889. Architect Joseph Connolly designed it. It cost $70000 a significant sum at the time. The tower and spire weren’t added until 1904-05 by Arthur Holmes Connolly’s protégé.
Inside the church is awe-inspiring. The soaring nave seats 600. Warm toned wooden pews fill the space. Pointed Gothic arches spring from richly decorated blue granite pillars. Carved angel corbels add delicate detail. Stained glass windows frescoes and a groined chancel ceiling complete the scene.
The congregation has always reflected Toronto’s evolving demographics. Irish immigrants were the first. Ukrainians and Poles followed. By the 1960s Portuguese parishioners formed a significant part of the community. The annual Portuguese Santo Cristo Festival centers around the church.
McDonnell Square across from the church was renamed Portugal Square in the 1960s. This reflects the shift in the neighborhood’s population. The name change also honors Bishop Alexander McDonnell who originally secured the land for the church.
St Mary’s Church has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Today masses are held in both English and Portuguese. The church remains a vibrant center of faith community and history. It stands as a powerful symbol of Toronto’s enduring spirit. St Mary’s Church is more than just a building. It’s a living story a testament to faith resilience and the ever-changing face of Toronto itself. It’s a story that continues to unfold.