Here stands Little Trinity Anglican Church Toronto’s oldest surviving church. It whispers tales of a city’s evolving identity. Founded in 1842 Little Trinity Anglican Church answered a call for accessible worship.
Imagine the Toronto of the 1840s. St. James Cathedral stood tall but its pew fees were beyond reach for many working-class families. Bishop John Strachan recognized this need. Residents and business people rallied together to build Little Trinity Anglican Church. They envisioned a church for all.
Sir John Beverley Robinson donated the land. Harriet and William Gooderham Sarah and James Worts Lucie and Thornton Blackburn and Enoch Turner became benefactors. Little Trinity Anglican Church initially named Church of the Holy Trinity in the Park rose from this collective effort.
Henry Bowyer Lane a young architect designed Little Trinity Anglican Church in the Gothic Revival style. Local craftsmen donated Don Valley red brick and their labor. The 60 ft bell tower became a landmark. Contrasting octagonal buttresses added to its unique character.
William Gooderham and James Worts prominent citizens were early leaders. Industrial workers and their families filled the pews. Little Trinity Anglican Church became affectionately known as “The Poor Man’s Church”. Loyalty defined the congregation.
The bronze church bell cast in Boston in 1844 still rings today. It signals Sunday services and joyous weddings. The bell’s rope is “braked” for somber funeral services creating a fading ring.
In 1854 Cumberland & Storm designed the Little Trinity Rectory. Decorative brickwork and a trefoil window opening distinguish the rectory. The rectory received heritage status in 2002.
Expansion came in 1889. Architects Darling & Curry increased seating to 600. A fire in 1961 gutted part of the church. Restoration followed the original design.
Little Trinity Anglican Church sent dozens of church members overseas. They served the development and spiritual needs of nations. Over 560 men of this parish volunteered to fight in The Great War. The names of the five who died in the Second World War are on a plaque inside on the west wall.
Today Little Trinity Anglican Church is a vibrant community. It welcomes members from across Toronto. Sunday School and youth programs thrive. Worship services are held every Sunday morning and evening.
Little Trinity Anglican Church never got its spire due to funding issues. Trinity Street was named after Little Trinity Anglican Church. This is a testament to its enduring presence. It is a reminder that faith and community can build lasting legacies. Little Trinity Anglican Church stands not just as Toronto’s oldest surviving church but as a symbol of its people’s spirit.