College Street United Church
The large church was built in 1885 as College Street Presbyterian and could hold 1200 worshippers, under founding (1874) minister Alexander Gilray (1874-1915), and Robert Balmer Cochrane (1915-1925). In 1925, this congregation voted to join the United Church, and was the site that June of the 51st and final General Assembly of the originally constituted Presbyterian Church in Canada before a majority of congregations of that founding denomination voted to enter the United Church of Canada. Over time attendance fell and it ran into financial difficulties and fell into disrepair.
In the late 1980s, despite its heritage status, it was decided to demolish much of the church, renovate the bell tower, and rebuild in 1990. The new building is 8 stories tall with an 89 suite condominium on top of the Church. The architects of the new building worked to have it be as similar to the old church as possible, copying many of its architectural elements.
As of May 2024, Rev. Jeffrey Dale became the Minister at College Street United Church, with a desire to live out the ministry and purpose through an understanding of College’s Vision Statement to be a ‘people helping people in the name of Jesus.’
See also
References
- ^ Condos.ca. "The Channel Club - Condos.ca". Toronto. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
- ^ Harness, Allison (2013-02-15). "House of the Week - The Globe and Mail, February 15, 2013". Toronto. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
- "Beleaguered church is reincarnated in new condominium." John Allemang. The Globe and Mail. Jun 25, 1988. pg. A.10
- "Saving church tower a sad irony." Christopher Hume Toronto Star. Mar 24, 1990. pg. J.1