Saint Clement Catholic Church

Tucked away in Toronto’s Yonge-Eglinton neighbourhood sits Saint Clement’s Church. It’s also known as St. Clement’s, Eglinton. This Anglican church holds more stories than its Gothic Revival architecture reveals. Saint Clement’s Church wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. The current building, with its striking design, was erected in 1925. Architects Page & Warrington and Charles MacKay Willmot brought the vision to life. But the story begins earlier, in 1891. The parish was established by St. John’s, York Mills, planting the seed for a community that would flourish. The original church building, which stood on this very spot, is mentioned in fire insurance plans as early as 1913. Imagine the services held within those walls, the hymns sung, and the prayers offered. Years later, the present church was built to accommodate the growing congregation. In 1938, a parish hall designed by Molesworth & Secord was added. This hall became a hub for community gatherings, further solidifying Saint Clement’s Church’s role in the neighbourhood. Saint Clement’s influence extended beyond its walls. In 1901, Canon Thomas Wesley Powell, the Rector, founded St. Clement’s School. The school’s first classes were held within the parish hall. Later, the school moved to its own building just down the street. Starting as a co-educational institution, St. Clement’s School is now an all-girls school, maintaining its ties to the church. Saint Clement’s Church has seen renovations and restorations. From 2004 to 2007, a significant project aimed to revitalize the space. The chancel was enlarged. The altar, font, tables, and screens were redesigned, incorporating woodwork from the original pulpit and furnishings. Even the chandeliers were redesigned with a modern touch, drawing inspiration from a photograph of the originals. These changes breathed new life into the nave, designed by C.M. Wilmot and Forsey Page. Saint Clement’s Church has ambitious plans for the future, too. Focusing on sustainability, they are working towards becoming a net-zero church. There are also plans to improve accessibility, create more welcoming spaces, and enhance their digital ministry. Saint Clement’s Church stands not just as a testament to its rich past, but as a vibrant hub for the future.