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The Church of the Holy Trinity 1847

When this church was built, it was then on the outskirts of Toronto. Henry Scadding, who lived in the house nearby, was the church’s first rector. Starting in the 20th century, it started offering programming and assistance to Toronto’s inner city.

Illustration of Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, c. 1935 (Photo: Nicholas Hornyansky, Toronto Public Library)
Illustration of Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, c. 1935
Photo: Nicholas Hornyansky, Toronto Public Library
Buildings and structures Religion Plaque

Location:

On the exterior west wall of the church, 19 Trinity Square, off Bay Street behind the Eaton Centre, Toronto

Themes:

Buildings and structures, Religion

Unveiling year:

1974

Part of this walking tour:

Toronto's Yonge Street

Plaque text:

This church was made possible by a gift from Mary Lambert Swale of Yorkshire, England, who stipulated that 'the seats be free and unappropriated forever'. At that time most other Anglican churches charged pew rentals. John Simcoe Macaulay donated the land, then on the outskirts of Toronto. Bishop John Strachan consecrated the church and Henry Scadding was first rector. Henry Bower Lane, architect, designed the modified Gothic church in the ancient cruciform plan. Bricks were hauled from the Don Valley and timbers from the surrounding forests. The roof slates came as ballast in British sailing vessels. In the twentieth century the church developed a tradition of ministry to the needs of people in the inner city.

Interior of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto, c. 1913 (Photo: Toronto Public Library)
Interior of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto, c. 1913
Photo: Toronto Public Library