“Through new life in Jesus, much joy in our city.” That’s not just a slogan. It’s the driving force behind Joy City Church. Right here in Toronto, Joy City Church stands as a testament to faith and community.
But the story of Joy City Church begins long before its current name. It started with a youth worship movement called The Catacombs. It was akin to the “Jesus People”. This movement evolved into Christian Church on a Hill in the 1970s. They were located in Scarborough’s east end.
The church bought property at Sheppard and Meadowvale. This is now Toronto Jaffray Chinese Alliance Church. They had plans for a great future. Hard times hit. The resources went to the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Two new churches were planted in 1988: Toronto Jaffray Chinese Alliance Church and Rouge Valley Alliance Church.
Brimley Road Alliance Church also plays a part in this story. A small congregation at Greenwood Avenue had to move. The Toronto Transit Commission expropriated their property. A site was donated in Scarborough at 724 Brimley Road. A new building was dedicated on September 29, 1963. This church saw growth and decline until 1994.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance suggested a merger. Rouge Valley Alliance Church and Brimley Road Alliance Church joined. The new congregation had only about 50 people. It became Scarborough Centre Alliance Church. They met in the Brimley Road building.
Scarborough Centre Alliance Church grew to about 100 attendees. The building wasn’t suitable for further growth. To break the cycle, they sold the building. They moved out into an uncertain future. They trusted that God would provide a future if it was meant to be.
Scarborough Centre Alliance Church rented space at Centennial College Conference and Residence Centre. They looked for a new property. Zoning regulations restricted their search. Many buildings were too expensive.
The church signed a lease at Ravine Park Plaza in Scarborough’s east end. It was no longer in the centre of Scarborough. So, the church assumed a new name: Community Alliance Church.
Relocation led some to attend other churches. But new people joined, especially from the GTA’s east side and Durham Region. Attendance stabilized at about 60 on Sunday mornings.
In 2005, a new vision arose. Could they develop a Christian Ministry/Community Centre? Could it demonstrate God’s love to the city?
A church building came up for sale in Scarborough at 1 McCowan Road. The congregation purchased the building. This happened on July 3, 2007. They hosted a Toronto Daily Bread Foodbank ministry. Ministries in various languages started. Some evolved into church plants. 1 McCowan Road became a multi-lingual partnership of churches. The English congregation retained the leading role.
2010 to 2011 were years of transition. The church withdrew from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It returned to its city-oriented and non-denominational roots. A new name was adopted: Joy City Church. The vision became clear. “Through new life in Jesus, much joy in our city.”
The Joy City Church “Snowball” was launched. This is a relationship-based discipleship strategy. It ensures meaningful relationships for those following Jesus. Joy City Church continues to spread its message of faith and community. It brings joy to Toronto.