“Extending the Kingdom of God” was the simple aim. It propelled a small group to establish what we now know as Spring Garden Baptist Church. After World War II, a Baptist field worker surveyed Lansing. This rapidly growing area was just north of Toronto. In 1949, nine people began worshipping together. They first met in a home. Later, they gathered in the basement of a local Legion Hall on Spring Garden Avenue. This was in the Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue area.
By 1951, the community built a small building. The group affiliated with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. Their mission was clear. They aimed to spread the gospel of Christ through an evangelical witness.
Fast forward fifty years. The bungalows have largely disappeared. High-rise condos and large houses have taken their place. The subway, office towers and cultural venues transformed the quiet neighborhood. It became a busy urban hub. The original homogenous Caucasian demographic shifted. It now includes many ethnic groups. Chinese, Korean and Iranian communities are well represented. Today, members of Spring Garden Baptist Church come from various backgrounds. They come from all over the Greater Toronto Area. Yet, they hold onto that original aim. The church wants to make Christ known in their complex and diverse community.
Spring Garden Baptist Church has seen changes to its physical structure too. The Spring Garden Legion was there around 1947. In the late 1960s, a new church building went up. Further additions occurred around 2007.
Today, Spring Garden Baptist Church continues its mission. It focuses on loving God. It focuses on loving others. They show God’s care. They share God’s story. You can join them in person on Sundays at 10 am. These weekly worship gatherings are also livestreamed. You can also listen to their podcasts on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Currently, Spring Garden Baptist Church is fundraising. They need a new boiler system. The old equipment is at the end of its life. Every Sunday morning, the Discipleship Ministries offer programs. These are for children, youth and adults. The church also offers excellent music. Good speaking and leadership is provided. There’s also free coffee. Spring Garden Baptist Church is committed to multiplying followers of Jesus Christ. It is committed to helping them mature. Spring Garden Baptist Church welcomes everyone to visit. The parking lot is off Kenneth Avenue. The church is at 112 Spring Garden Avenue.