Follow the development of Ontario’s places of worship through a comprehensive timeline of events and activities throughout the province and the world. From developments in church doctrine and the creation of new religious denominations to international events and wars that spurred emigration, you can explore our history to identify factors that have influenced the development of communities throughout Ontario – and the places of worship that accompanied them.

Explore some of the more common religious denominations that appear in Ontario. Learn about their development and how religious beliefs are expressed in the architecture of Ontario’s places of worship.

Who was Bishop Strachan? What was the Temperance Movement? When were the first Jewish religious services held in what is now Ontario? These questions – and more – can be answered here.

Understanding some of the broader themes and characters in Ontario’s history – as well as around the world – enables us to appreciate better how our communities developed, and how our places of worship came to be.

Learn more about the various terms and concepts that define religions and religious beliefs. Understanding these terms and concepts will assist you in understanding the places of worship built by congregations throughout Ontario.