A majestic bell tower. That’s what initially caught my eye. It stands tall a silent sentinel. This is Bradburn House. Well not exactly a house. It’s actually the surviving bell tower of St George’s by the Grange. This church holds a fascinating history a story woven into the very bricks of this tower.
Originally known as St George the Martyr Church it was built in 1844. Designed in the Early English Gothic style. It was Toronto’s second Anglican church. The Grange a prominent family home just north of the church now part of the Art Gallery of Ontario. It provided the land. The construction cost $28 000. A significant sum back then. The church was a community hub. Hundreds attended services. Its spire was so tall ships on Lake Ontario used it for navigation.
But tragedy struck. In February 1955 a devastating fire engulfed St George’s. The main structure was lost. A three-alarm blaze it took firefighters six hours to control. Despite the chaos some parishioners bravely salvaged what they could. A cross a lectern silver and linens. These objects became poignant reminders of what was lost. The beautiful stained-glass windows some by the renowned artist Sir Burne-Jones were shattered.
The community was resilient. Services resumed in the rectory. Later the parish hall became the new church. The bell tower however remained a testament to the original structure. It stood as a symbol of hope and endurance. It stood tall surviving the fire. It stood as a reminder of the church’s legacy. Today this solitary tower of Bradburn House is part of Heritage Toronto’s list. It continues to connect the present to this remarkable past. It is a silent but powerful witness to the vibrant history of St George’s by the Grange.