Imagine, if you will, a bustling Toronto in the late 1880s a city rapidly expanding. Here stands Walmer Road Baptist Church a testament to faith. It is also a commitment to community.
Walmer Road Baptist Church started with a vision. Elmore Harris pastor of Bloor Street Baptist Church saw a need. He envisioned a new ministry in the city’s northwest.
In 1889, Harris resigned from Bloor Street. He dedicated himself to this new venture. Alanson Harris Elmore’s father purchased land at Walmer Road and Lowther Avenue. The cost was 7600 dollars.
The first Walmer Road Baptist Church building opened October 20 1889. Sixty-two people from Bloor Street became charter members. By 1891 membership grew quickly to about 350. More space became a necessity. Alanson Harris and Mrs. John Harris provided the funds. The main sanctuary was built at a cost of 70000 dollars. Upon completion, it was the largest Baptist building in Canada. The dedication took place November 6 1892.
Henry Langley and Edmund Burke designed Walmer Road Baptist Church. They used the Gothic Revival style. The interior accommodated 1540 people. This included the floor and the galleries.
Walmer Road Baptist Church expanded again in 1912. They built a new structure between the two older buildings. This became the Ruth Shenstone Harris Memorial Church School. It was dedicated January 18 1914. A comprehensive renovation of this Education Wing occurred in 2000.
Outreach was key to Walmer Road Baptist Church from the start. In 1898, the congregation founded Christie Street Mission. By 1907, it became Christie Street Baptist Church.
Spadina Road Mission began in 1907. It served the area at Spadina and St. Clair Ave. In 1914, it merged with Wychwood Road Baptist Church. Hewitt Avenue Mission started in 1909. It is now High Park Baptist Church.
Memorial Institute became a ministry of Walmer in 1911. They took over the work of Memorial Baptist Church. This ministry served poor people downtown until 1942.
In 1894, Elmore Harris and Dr. William Stewart created the Toronto Bible Training School. Stewart became the first principal. Courses were at Walmer Road Baptist Church for four years. Then they relocated to 110 College Street in 1898. This school is now Tyndale University College and Seminary.
During the 1950s, Howard Bentall revived lay training. In 1955, the Baptist Training Institute BTI was formed. It was a one-year program. In 1959, BTI moved to Brantford, Ontario.
Walmer Road Baptist Church has had many influential pastors. Elmore Harris served until 1895. Rev. W. W. Weeks followed in December 1895. John MacNeill arrived in 1906. He served for 23 years. Dr. Herbert H. Bingham succeeded MacNeill in 1930. Adiel Jarrett Moncrief began in 1941. Howard Bentall arrived in 1946. Harvey L. Denton commenced his ministry in 1959. Reginald S. Dunn came to Walmer in 1964. Bruce W. Neal arrived in 1973. Dr. Daniel Dryer came in 1984. Michael Blair was called in 1995. Steve Cox was called in 2004. In December 2015 Rev. Elaine Poproski accepted a call to Walmer. She began her ministry here on Palm Sunday 2016.
Today Walmer Road Baptist Church stands as a landmark. It represents faith community and service. It is a place where history and modern life meet. It is a testament to the enduring power of belief and community. TAS is proposing to add a 20-storey condo. The condo will integrate into the church building. The sanctuary will be refurbished. There will be new meeting space and a community hub.