Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

The Church of the Holy Trinity 1847

Photos by Alan L Brown - May 2010

A retail colossus looms over this small church, peering down as if to say 'Are you still here?'. Yes, the Eaton Centre does press close. You can find this 1847 church on the Eaton Centre's west side about halfway between Dundas and Queen Streets. Here's what the Archaeological and Historic Sites Board plaque attached to the church wall says:

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.

Related Toronto plaque page
Reverend Henry Scadding 1813-1901

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: N 43 39.268 W 79 22.895

More religious buildings

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