Could the Church of the Holy Trinity, veiled by one of the country’s busiest shopping centers, whisper tales of Toronto’s evolving identity? This isn’t just a church. It’s a resilient landmark that has witnessed the transformation of Toronto. The Church of the Holy Trinity stands on land once owned by Dr. James Macaulay. He was granted acres here west of Yonge Street in 1797. His home was Teraulay Cottage. The surrounding area was swampy and forested.
In 1845, Bishop John Strachan received money from an anonymous donor. The donor wanted a church built in Toronto. She stipulated it be named the Church of the Holy Trinity. She also wanted free seating forever. The land was donated by Dr. Macaulay’s son. Bishop Strachan found the location beneficial. It was on Toronto’s outskirts in Macaulay Town.
The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1847. Henry Bowyer Lane designed the Gothic-style building. Timber from the surrounding forest was used. Bricks came from the Don Valley. The slate roof once served as ballast in ships from Britain.
Inside the Church of the Holy Trinity, light dances through stained-glass windows. William Hay designed the chancel windows in 1856 and 1857. Ballantyne and Allen of Edinburgh made them. The upper figures represent the Evangelists. The lower figures are the Prophets. Other windows may be from McCausland and Bullock of the Toronto Stained Glass Works.
By the 1870s, the area changed. The Church of the Holy Trinity was hidden by commercial buildings. In 1887, Darling and Curry designed the Trinity School House. It was near the church’s southeast corner.
From 1847 to 1875, Henry Scadding was the church’s reverend. His residence is near the church’s east side. It was moved in the 1970s for the Eaton Centre. Scadding was a historian.
The church’s Jubilee year in 1897 honored Mary Lambert Swale. She made the Church of the Holy Trinity possible. She learned of Bishop Strachan through his writings. She left the bequest upon her death in 1845. Mrs. Swale also gave a gift to establish a church in Australia for convicts.
In the 1930s, the Church of the Holy Trinity became home to the Social Gospel movement. Reverend John Frank led it. They addressed homelessness and unemployment. In 1937, Patricia Frank created The Christmas Story play. This tradition continues today at the Church of the Holy Trinity.
From 1962 to 1976, Reverend James Fisk was rector. He and the congregation fought to save the Church of the Holy Trinity from demolition for the Eaton Centre. In 1972, an agreement was reached.
In 1977, a fire caused damage to the Church of the Holy Trinity. The fire started in a former Eaton’s warehouse. It caused significant damage. Three stained-glass windows were destroyed. The slate roof needed repair. The interior suffered water damage. Restoration took years.
Since the 1970s, the Church of the Holy Trinity has supported the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Today, the Church of the Holy Trinity ministers to the urban core. It welcomes marginalized members of society. It addresses homelessness, refugees, and music.
Since 2007, the Church of the Holy Trinity is also home to San Esteban. It is a Spanish-speaking community. The Church of the Holy Trinity was once called the Free Church. Churches often rented pews for a fee then. The church’s organ is considered one of Toronto’s finest.
In 2000, the Church of the Holy Trinity worked to construct a temporary grass labyrinth in Trinity Square. In 2005, it was replaced with a permanent labyrinth. It provides balance in downtown Toronto.
So, as we stand here, remember the Church of the Holy Trinity. It is more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of faith, community, and resilience. It stands as a testament to Toronto’s evolving spirit.