Sacré-Cœur Parish

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted September, 2010

Just outside Sacré-Cœur Church at the northeast corner of Sherbourne Street and Carlton Street, is this Ontario Heritage Trust plaque. Here's what it says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.663368 -79.372876

In 1887, Sacré-Cœur Parish was founded as the first Roman Catholic parish to serve the French Canadian community in Toronto. Father Philippe Lamarche came from Montreal to found the church and served as priest until his death in 1924. The Parish's first church building, located on King Street near Sackville Street, was purchased from a Presbyterian congregation in 1888. Since that time, francophones have been able to worship in their own language at Sacré-Cœur Church. This building was designed and constructed for worship and was blessed in 1937. In 1951 the structure was enlarged to accommodate a growing congregation. Sacré-Cœur has served both as a spiritual and cultural centre for many of its French-speaking parishioners who emigrated from Quebec, the Maritimes, northern Ontario, Europe, and more recently from Africa.

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Posted April 8, 2011
I attended Sacré Cœur School which was on Sherbourne Street near Wellesley Street. In the 1950s and 60s, there was a large French population in that area, spread out from the western boundary of Homewood Avenue and Georges Street to the eastern boundary of the Don River. From Queen Street in the south to areas of Rosedale French people could be found. At that time, there was little sitting room in the church if you arrived late for any of the Sunday masses. Since our Lady of Lourdes Church was north of Wellesley, there was an English speaking population even at that time even though sermons were given in French. In looking at the information regarding the plaque in front of the church I was surprised to see the name of the original pastor was Lamarche as was the pastor's surname when I attended. Would you be able to tell me what the given name of the second Father Lamarche was?

Posted March 7, 2011
I wonder how many French speaking Catholics are served in this parish? Does this parish also serve the English speaking Catholics?
Thanks.

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