Doesn’t it seem like churches have always been here? St. Philip’s Lutheran Church has a fascinating story. It began west of the Humber River. Let’s step back to the 1950s.
In the mid-1950s, the Lutheran Church decided to expand. They planned three new missions in Metro Toronto. Lines were drawn at the Humber River and Dufferin Street. St. Philip’s Lutheran Church became the West Mission.
Dr. Carl R. Cronmiller was chosen to lead this new venture. He started surveying the area in June 1957. The first service took place in West Glen Public School. That was September 15, 1957. Charter Sunday followed with 64 adults joining.
The early days of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church buzzed with activity. Sunday School was formed. The U.L.C.W. which is the United Lutheran Church Women started. Also the Luther League and Choir were founded. The choir even sang on a Church of the Air broadcast.
Finding a permanent home wasn’t easy for St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. A committee searched for a building site. They found land at Burnhamthorpe Rd. and Highway 27. But there was a problem. The Township of Etobicoke changed the zoning. They wanted commercial buildings there.
The developer tried to buy the land back. St. Philip’s Lutheran Church refused to sell. The Township blocked their building permit. The church took legal action and won. But the Township then planned a road through the property. They expropriated the site.
After a year, St. Philip’s Lutheran Church secured the current property. Construction began in June 1960. The educational unit was dedicated on Reformation Sunday. It served as the church for a few years.
In 1980, St. Philip’s Lutheran Church paid off the mortgage. They considered building a senior citizen’s residence. The city didn’t approve it. So the congregation decided to construct a new church.
Ground was broken in May 1990. Services were held at Hillview Presbyterian Church during construction. The new church opened in December 1990. St. Philip’s Lutheran Church continues its mission today.
St. Philip’s Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The ELCIC began in 1986. It unites many Lutheran congregations. Together, they work on missions worldwide. Remember that St. Philip’s Lutheran Church connects with God, neighbours and self. It practices hospitality with open hearts. It unites with partners to make a difference.