St. Peter's Anglican parish has been in existence since 1863 and its congregation has worshipped in this church since 1866. The church is located in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto which is home to a diverse population.
St. Peter's "an oasis of hope and joy in the heart of a diverse community"
The mission of the church is
"We are an inclusive Christian community welcoming people from different paths--learning together, caring for each other, and reaching out to our neighbours, in the service and love of God."
The history of St. Peter's
"The parish of St. Peter's Anglican church was founded in 1863. The church building was designed by architect by Henry Langley in a high Victorian Gothic style and officially opened by Bishop John Strachan on June 10, 1866.
St. Peter's has three large pictorial stained-glass windows. The chancel window depicts the confession of St. Peter, the south chapel window the Sermon on the Mount, and north transept window the Ascension.
The interior of the church was last renovated during the mid-1970's. On December 16, 1979, St. Peter's was declared a historic site.
Over our first 148 years, the congregation of St. Peter's has emphasized outreach to the wider church and to the community. Two bishops, 17 clergy, 14 missionaries and two deaconesses have come from this church. St. Peter's serves the local neighbourhood of Cabbagetown through donations of food, clothing, and rent subsidies, and is active in community festivities."
This is one feature that I think would be much appreciated in a busy and noisy city such as Toronto:
"Open Doors
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 1pm - 3pm
St. Peter's Chapel
A Sacred Space of Silence and Contemplation For All
A warm welcome is extended to the public who seek a peaceful sanctuary and oasis of quiet. Please proceed to the chapel near the front of the church at the side, and sit to contemplate, relax, reflect, and pray as you wish. Silence is expected, except at the back of the church, where you may ask questions of the person in attendance. You are encouraged to light a candle in your name or in remembrance of someone you are thinking about. A book of short prayers is provided for your use. Please leave it on the table, for your return visit, when you leave. May you arrive seeking and leave in peace."
The church is opened for many different activities during the week, please see website for more details.
St. Peter's website: (
visit link)
Phone: 416-924-1891
There is a historical plaque attached to the outer wall of St. Peter's and it reads:
"St. Peter's Anglican Church
This parish, which extends from Yonge Street to the Don River, was established in 1863, using the Chapel in St. James' Cemetery for worship. The following year Gundry & Langley designed this church in High Victorian Gothic style. It was opened by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto, on 10 June 1866. Additions were made in 1872 and 1880 to accommodate the growing congregation and the original south entrance became a baptistry. Following a serious fire in 1973, the chancel was modified and a choir and organ gallery built in the west end."
Historical plaque: (
visit link)
You will find St. Peter's Anglican Church at 188 Carlton Street, on the northeast corner of Carlton and Bleeker Streets, east of Sherbourne Street.