Did you know that St Barnabas Catholic Church on the Danforth wasn’t always a bustling hub of faith? It began humbly in 1857 as a small Anglican church in the rural village of Chester. This was long before the vibrant Riverdale neighbourhood we know today. St Barnabas Catholic Church was then simply a small wooden structure. It was one of the first eight Anglican churches built in the Toronto area. Reverend James Beavan held the first services in a blacksmith’s shop. Later the Playter family donated land for the first proper building. It was originally known as St John’s Playter Corner. The name evolved several times before settling on St Barnabas in 1872.
Imagine the tiny congregation. These were primarily immigrants from England Scotland and Ireland. They were mostly wage earners with limited incomes. For forty-five years St Barnabas existed in simple rural surroundings. In 1869-70 their total yearly income was only one hundred and ninety-two dollars. Their commitment was remarkable. They formed a Women’s Auxiliary in 1895. Their first project? Buying a sewing machine. Each member contributed a single cent a week. It took four years to save enough money.
St Barnabas Catholic Church wasn’t always financially stable. But faith and community spirit were strong. Their situation improved by the turn of the century. The population grew. So did St Barnabas’s financial resources. Between 1904 and 1906 the church was expanded. A parish room was added. This expansion marked a turning point. St Barnabas became its own separate parish in 1905 with Reverend Frank Vipond as its first rector. On St Barnabas Day June 11 1906 parishioners built a small wooden mission church in one day. It was called St Andrew’s. Today a McDonald’s stands on that site.
The church needed a Sunday School and a rectory. In 1907 St Barnabas was moved to its present site on Danforth and Hampton Avenues. Moving day September 23 1907 was eventful. Heavy rains made the process difficult. The church sat in the middle of Danforth Avenue on Saturday. Twenty dedicated parishioners cleaned the dusty interior. They made it ready for Sunday services in just three hours.
By 1918 the Prince Edward Viaduct was completed. Riverdale experienced a building boom. St Barnabas Catholic Church also saw expansions. A new parish hall was built between 1918 and 1919. By 1921 the transepts chancel sanctuary offices and chapel were added. The layout was very different from today. The church seated eight hundred people. It was often full on Sundays.
In the 1920s and 1930s beautiful stained glass windows were installed. They depict scenes from the life of Christ. There are war memorials too. A brass eagle lectern honours those lost in the First World War. A plaque outside remembers those lost in the Second World War.
The mid-1950s brought changes. Many parishioners moved to the suburbs. The Danforth became more multicultural. Immigrants from Italy Greece the Caribbean Guyana and Asia joined the community. Many Caribbean Anglicans added strength to the congregation.
Even though its congregation is smaller today St Barnabas Catholic Church thrives. It is an integral part of the vibrant Danforth community. It hosts various groups and events throughout the week. From Sunday services to daycare the church’s doors remain open. It continues to be a beacon of faith and community. St Barnabas stands as a testament to its enduring spirit. It has adapted and evolved over the years. It remains a place of worship. It is also a vital community hub. Its rich history is something to truly celebrate.