Beneath the serene Kensington Market, stands St Stephens Anglican Church. It is a testament to faith and community. St Stephens Anglican Church started in 1857. Robert Brittain Denison founded it. He wanted a parish for farm workers on his estate. His estate was called Bellevue House. In 1858, the cornerstone was laid by Bishop John Strachan. The church’s name reflected its rural setting then.
Thomas Fuller and Jones designed St Stephens. Later, Fuller designed Canada’s Parliament Buildings. John Worthington was the builder. The first service was held in November 1858. Reverend James Henry McCollum was the first minister.
Tragedy struck St Stephens Anglican Church in 1865. A fire gutted the church. The congregation met at University College while it was rebuilt. Henry Langley rebuilt the church. Richard Cunningham Windeyer Sr expanded it in 1878. Eden Smith renovated it in 1890.
In 1927, Reverend James Edward Ward pioneered broadcasting services. He broadcasted on CFRB and VE9GW. St Stephens Anglican Church was the first Canadian church to broadcast overseas. Ward also wrote religious plays for radio.
Financial challenges hit St Stephens Anglican Church in the 1980s. The rectory, parish hall, and surrounding property were sold. Half of the church became a clinic. Later, the other half was rented for community uses.
St Stephens Anglican Church has subdivided many times. It created new parishes. These included St Matthias, St Thomas’s, and St Mary Magdalene.
The original church was Gothic Revival style. It was based on St Michael’s Church in Longstanton. It featured red brick and grey stone. The fire destroyed Fuller’s original interior. The exterior retained its polychromatic masonry and open bell core. The current chancel is from the 1890 renovation by Eden Smith.
St Stephens Anglican Church is known for its stained glass windows. Some windows date from the 1860s. They were restored in 2018 at a cost of 80000 dollars.
Today, St Stephens Anglican Church continues to serve. It serves its community with outreach programs. It stands as a designated heritage site. The church remains a landmark. It is a testament to its enduring legacy. St Stephens continues to offer services in English, Spanish, and French. It welcomes Caribbean, Latino, and African congregations. The Friends of St Stephens support it. They work to preserve the church. They support its mission.