Beneath the iconic towers of the Church of the Messiah, imagine a bustling city corner transforming into a sacred space. This Anglican church stands proudly at 240 Avenue Road. It graces the southwest corner of Avenue Road and Dupont Street.
The Church of the Messiah began in 1891. Members of the Church of the Redeemer sought to establish a new place of worship. Architects Gordon & Helliwell designed the church in the Gothic Revival style. Its white Kingston limestone gives it a striking appearance. The towers and battlements add to its grandeur.
The church received heritage status in 1973. The former rectory next door also gained this status. Gordon & Helliwell designed the rectory in 1892. Today, KMH Cardiology Centres Inc. occupies the former rectory.
A major fire struck the church in 1976. It gutted the building and destroyed the parish hall. The Toronto police determined it was arson. The perpetrator was caught and jailed.
The Church of the Messiah was rebuilt. The exterior retained its original appearance. However, the interior was radically redesigned. This maximized flexibility within the space.
The church’s interior can be configured in several ways. During the week, it hosts diverse activities. These include worship, community meetings, and a daycare. The space also serves as a rehearsal and performance area. A food bank operates here too.
Historically, the Church of the Messiah embraced low-church Anglicanism. Many former Rectors graduated from Wycliffe College. Some became noted preachers and even Bishops.
Today, the church is known for its creative worship style. It has a diverse congregation. It runs food access programs for the neighborhood. These include the Avenue Road Food Bank.
Until recently, the Messiah housed the Bell Tower Café. It opened in 2016. The Anglican Church of Canada provided a grant to start the café. It was a full-service coffee bar with seating for 50.
The Church of the Messiah has a Pollinator Garden. Sunday services are at 10:30 am in person.
The Church of the Messiah continues to evolve. It seeks to serve its Toronto neighborhood. Its informal style and engaged community define it. The church blends beautiful music with Anglican traditions. Weekly Bible readings are followed by discussion.
The current rector is Rev. Elivered Mulongo. She came from Kenya via St Chad’s. The Minister of Music is Sarah John.
The Church of the Messiah has stood for over 125 years. It stands as a testament to community. It is a place of faith. It is a welcoming space for all. Its history of resilience and adaptation is inspiring.