Over 100 years ago a church was built. It’s Eastminster United Church. This red brick beauty stands proudly at 310 Danforth Avenue. Architect George Martel Miller designed it in the Gothic Revival style. It cost $150000 to build. That was a lot of money back in 1923. The first service was held in the spring of 1924. So many people came there wasn’t enough room. Pastor JJ Coulter joked they should have built a bigger church. The church was originally called Danforth Avenue Methodist Church. It became Danforth United in 1925. By the 1950s over 1700 people were members.
Eastminster United Church grew. In 1966 North Broadview United Church joined. A vote changed the name to Eastminster United. Beautiful stained glass windows moved from North Broadview. They found a new home in the Eastminster sanctuary. More growth followed. In 1984 Donlands United joined the congregation. Another stained glass window made its way to the sanctuary.
The church continued to be a vibrant part of the community. In 2018 Eastminster joined with Cosburn United and Glen Rhodes United. They are now known as East End United. The original building is special. The City of Toronto recognized its heritage status in 2022. This church is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith community and resilience. It’s a place where history and hope come together. A place where people gathered for decades to celebrate life and support each other. The stories whispered within its walls are a legacy worth cherishing. Eastminster United Church. A cornerstone of Toronto’s history.