How did Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church become a hub for faith, justice, and the arts? This church stands as a testament to the evolving spirit of Toronto. It is located at 427 Bloor Street West. That’s just west of Spadina Avenue.
Trinity-St. Paul’s began as Trinity Methodist Church. The impressive Romanesque Revival building you see was completed in 1889. The architects were Langley & Burke. They used Credit Valley stone and brownstone trim. This gave Trinity-St. Paul’s its solid, landmark presence. The construction cost $130,000.
In 1925, it became Trinity United Church, with church union. Later, in 1980, Trinity United Church merged with St. Paul’s-Avenue Road United Church. This created Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church. St. Paul’s-Avenue Road United Church itself was a merger. It combined St. Paul’s Methodist and Avenue Road Presbyterian.
Trinity-St. Paul’s has a history of social activism. Bill Phipps was minister here from 1974 to 1983. He later became a United Church moderator. Cheri DiNovo, a former politician, became minister in 2018.
Even earlier, this area was known as the Western church. That’s because of its location. It was near the city’s edge back then.
Inside, the sanctuary has an amphitheater plan. Entertainment editor Kathleen Kenna called Trinity-St. Paul’s one of Toronto’s most romantic venues.
Interestingly, Trinity-St. Paul’s once had the largest Protestant congregation in North America. Today, it’s still known as an affirming congregation. It uses inclusive language and imagery.
Trinity-St. Paul’s is home to other occupants too. Bathurst Street United Church relocated here in 1985. But they remain a separate congregation. Also, the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir uses the building.
This building received heritage status in 1973. The Ontario Heritage Trust followed in 1980. Trinity-St. Paul’s building has served the downtown area for 135 years.
The church offers rental spaces. These are used for performances, rehearsals, meetings, and more. Many groups use these spaces. There are music lessons and dance classes. You can even find martial arts and theatre programs here. Social justice work happens within these walls. Trinity-St. Paul’s truly embodies faith, justice, and the arts. It continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of the community.