Fire, a terrifying spectacle, once threatened St. Margaret’s Anglican Church. Today, we stand before a testament to resilience and faith. St. Margaret’s Anglican Church boasts a rich history woven into the very fabric of Scarborough.
In 1833, this land was surveyed for a church. Simon Washburn, a Toronto lawyer, donated two acres. He envisioned an Anglican parish taking root in this township. At that time, the only church in Scarborough was St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. John Strachan, concerned about the spiritual needs of the area, wanted a unified Anglican parish.
The first St. Margaret’s Anglican Church was a simple wooden structure. Built between 1833 and 1839, construction depended on available funds. Local settlers Ignatius Galloway and his sons did the work. The church’s name may honor Simon Washburn’s wife Margaret. Some believe it had nothing to do with Queen Margaret of Scotland. Services occurred only in warmer months due to the lack of insulation.
Various travelling clergy served St. Margaret’s Anglican Church. Rev. William Henry Norris became Scarborough’s first permanent minister in 1840. He served both St. Margaret’s and St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux. These joint appointments continued until the late 1940s. The history of St. Margaret’s is strongly linked to other Anglican parishes in Scarborough.
As Scarborough grew, Christ Church was built. It was a larger building suitable for year-round services. This led to the abandonment of St. Margaret’s. For 40 years, it was used seasonally for funerals and special events.
In 1885, Rev. Frederick Burt renovated St. Margaret’s to re-establish regular services. A Christmas service was held there in 1888. An organ was transported to and from St. Margaret’s each week. The organ was loaned from a church warden’s home. Burt’s efforts caused conflict within Christ Church. Disputes arose between parishioners. Bishop Arthur Sweatman advised Burt to resign in 1890.
Tragedy struck St. Margaret’s in 1904. A grass fire destroyed the wooden church in less than an hour. The church had no rector at the time. Following the appointment of Rev. George I. B. Johnson, rebuilding began. The new church, known as “St. Margaret’s Chapel”, opened in 1906. Able-bodied men from the parish helped with construction.
The congregation continued to grow. By 1960, a larger, modern building was needed. Yamazaki and Ridpath designed the new structure. It was dedicated on June 21, 1961.
Over the years, St. Margaret’s Anglican Church has evolved. It reflects the changing needs of its community. A new wing, the Canon Walter Dyer Wing, was added. It provided space for Sunday school and meetings.
In 1989, a Tamil Christian congregation began using St. Margaret’s for services. St. Margaret’s Tamil Anglican Church became a separate congregation within the diocese. St. Margaret Community Homes was constructed as a social service project. It provides supportive housing for marginalized residents.
Today, St. Margaret’s Anglican Church stands as a beacon of faith. It shows a dedication to community and spiritual growth. It is more than just a building. It is a living testament to the enduring spirit of its people.