Yes, today I will tell you about my journey and acquaintance with the church, which is the oldest church on Toronto Island, this is St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.
The church was built in 1884 and existed in the central part of the island, on the main Lakeshore street.
Several decades ago the church was moved to this place where it stands today. There is a beautiful park growing around it, a boat stop and a hiking trail nearby.
On May 24 and 25, the church is open to all visitors during the Door Open Toronto.
This is a great opportunity for all Toronto residents and beyond. Residents of Quebec and groups of tourists who visit the island come here and get to know the church with interest. #DOT #DOT2025
The service that is active this year – bike rental – is also very helpful to go around the island.
At the entrance to the church there are stands that tell about the history of the church and the times and seasons that took place near the church. In winter, it was skiing, skating on frozen water. In summer, it was cycling activities, which do not stop today.
Life on the island is not easy. There have been floods and natural disasters.
But today it remains in photographs. Today a school has been built on the island, there is a water collection station equipped with the highest quality filters. But there are no shops on the island, all products are bought and brought from the mainland. Therefore, local residents have developed their own farms here, where they bake delicious bread and pastries.
I treated myself to a delicious kich, which was baked for the guests of the church.
The church preserves a history that almost coincides in time with the history of Canada itself.
And this is reflected in the beautiful stained glass windows of the church.
I have only seen stained glass windows like this in a church St.Georgeis on-the-Hill Anglican Church in Etobicoke on Dundas.
Both churches are beautiful and the stained glass windows are simply a delight. And most importantly, they contain the history of the churches themselves. I will try to tell you about the stained glass windows of St. Andrew’s by-the-lake Church.
The main ones, located at the head of the church, behind the altar, tell of St. Andrew’s patronage of fishermen.
It speaks of the hard, harsh life of the islanders in the struggle with the water element and the help and blessing from Saint Andrew.
The side stained glass windows are created in memory of events and people.
Thus, at the entrance on the left there are two beautiful stained glass windows that remind us that faith and help are very important for society and the survival of the commune.
This stained glass window depicts Christ blessing the children and was created by McCausland Studio in 1923.
This is a memory about Harry Ryrie( 1862-1917) who had a summer home on the Island at 398 Lakeshore,a few doors from the church before it was moved.The Ryrie’s family also donated 50 park benches at Centre Island.
This thrilight window showing Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane,flanked by
two angels.This window was donated by Robert and Emy Spence.
This is a memory of the island’s inhabitants who died during the First World War. 58 island inhabitants gave their lives as soldiers and participating in the First World War.At the bottom of the stained glass window you can see a Red Cross nurse caring for a wounded soldier.
On the right, at the entrance to the church, on a gilded plaque are carved the names of those who died in the First World War for the Queen, for Canada.
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