“He comes to church more often than you do” Father Caulfield once grumbled. That’s a story about St Anselm Catholic Church’s first priest and his beloved dog Tinker. Right here before us stands St Anselm Catholic Church a testament to faith community and a rather unique history.
St Anselm Catholic Church wasn’t always the grand structure we see today. It began humbly in 1938. A small group of Catholic families in Leaside longed for their own church. Father Francis Michael Caulfield answered their prayers. He arrived in a jalopy. His mission was to build a parish a church and a school.
He first held Mass in a bankrupt meat market and groceteria. This temporary location on Bayview Avenue served the community until 1941. Then a proper church was built. This first church seated only 400 people. It was quickly outgrown. The altar held relics of martyred saints St Lucidianus St Auxilius and St Desideria. Interesting details aren’t they?
The original church was small. It was made of cinder blocks. It smelled musty. It simply couldn’t accommodate the growing congregation. By 1951 Mass was being held in the basement as well. This highlighted the need for a larger building.
So a new church was planned. It opened in 1966. It boasts a seating capacity of 957. It also includes an auditorium seating 750. The architect Arthur Taylor of Lenz designed the new structure. The design reflected the changes in the Catholic Church during Vatican II. The altar now faces the congregation a key aspect of the Council’s reforms.
The construction involved moving the steeple. It was built inside the church then hoisted into place. That’s a feat of engineering wouldn’t you say? The steeple stands four feet higher than the church itself. The cross at its peak makes it the highest point in the area.
The new St Anselm’s featured materials from around the world. The Douglas fir trusses came from British Columbia. The stone came from Kingston. Marble and terrazzo flooring arrived from Italy. The stained-glass window over the Millwood Road entrance is particularly special. It depicts all major religions and racial groups reflecting an ecumenical spirit. This magnificent window is a symbol of unity and inclusivity.
Father Caulfield’s legacy lives on. Not just in the church he founded. But also in the parkette named in his honor. This park is a testament to his dedication and service to his parish. Father Caulfield’s dog Tinker certainly left his own paw print on St Anselm’s history. Remember Tinker regularly attended services. He even once trotted down the aisle during Mass.
As we stand here before St Anselm Catholic Church let’s reflect on its story. From a humble meat market to this impressive building. It is a remarkable story of faith perseverance and community. This church continues to serve as a spiritual center for the Leaside community. It stands as a symbol of hope and faith in Toronto.