“The little white church” they called it. A charming name for a building with a rich history. Welcome to Royal York Road United Church. This unassuming church on Royal York Road holds within its walls a century of stories. It began in 1889 as a small meeting house. William Tomlinson offered his property for services led by the Plymouth Brethren. Later Methodist ministers also preached there. In 1925 it became Tomlinson United Church part of the Church Union.
The congregation outgrew its small home. In 1943 a decision was made. The “little white church” was moved. Its new location was a property bought by the United Church’s Home Mission Council. It sat on the northeast corner of Royal York Road and Glenroy Avenue. The inaugural service was on October 24 1943. The Tomlinson congregation joined new members to form Royal York United Church. There were 175 charter members a testament to the community’s faith.
Growth was rapid. In 1948 a generous donation arrived. The Toronto Home Mission Council gave $25000 for a new building. Construction began in phases. The basement was finished and dedicated in 1949. The main church building was more ambitious. It cost $108845. The cornerstone was laid in 1953. The new sanctuary was dedicated in 1954. The choir had donated their Wurlitzer organ from the old “little white church”.
A significant decision was made regarding the windows. The congregation prioritized the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada. They chose to forgo stained glass windows. This focus on community and giving speaks volumes about the church’s values. By 1955 membership soared to 1223. There were 849 Sunday School pupils. Two morning services and an evening service were needed to accommodate everyone. Sunday school was held in the old church and in members’ homes. A Christian Education Wing was added in 1958. The original church was demolished to make way for the expansion. That same year a magnificent Casavant pipe organ was dedicated. Its beautiful music continues to this day.
A further significant event took place in 1970. Royal York United and Queensway United amalgamated. The resulting church was Royal York Road United. Queensway Hall was named in honor of the merged church. The Queensway building was leased to the Stothers Centre for Children and Families for $1 a year. It was later sold to the Jain Society in 1990. Over the years the church continued to improve its facilities. Accessibility improvements were made. A fundraising campaign allowed major changes. A new apron was added in the sanctuary. The church was repainted. New carpets were laid. Kitchens and washrooms were updated. Improvements enhanced sound and sight lines. The gardens were enhanced too. They’ve been nominated twice for City of Toronto “Best Gardens” awards.
In recent years two special gifts enhanced the sanctuary. A Kawai Rx7 concert grand piano was donated. A fabric art hanging “The Peaceable Kingdom” was added. It’s a vibrant piece. It sits in the north transept where families gather. Several rooms are named in honor of influential members. The Ennals Room the Burke Choir Room The Ward Room and The Pedersen Room each bear witness to dedication and service. This building stands as a vibrant testament to faith community and enduring legacy. The Royal York Road United Church welcomes all. It is a place of worship and a place of community. It is a place where ancient words meet the modern world.