Toronto in 1868 - The Bay Street Presbyterian Church

 

This was originally posted on my Instagram on July 5th, 2021.

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The Bay Street Presbyterian Church was built at the southeast corner of Bay & Richmond streets in 1848. It was demolished less than 40 years later, in 1886. Presbyterian parishes, in particular, were known for either splitting themselves, or merging with one another, which meant that congregations often relocated quite frequently.

There are several churches in Octavius Thompson’s photographs of Toronto in the 1860s. Toronto was nicknamed “the City of Spires”. It was a thoroughly Protestant city where the Church of England held a great moral & social influence. But the Presbyterians were well represented too, which isn’t surprising given that Toronto had such a prominent Scottish population.

The original text from Octavius Thompson’s “Toronto in the Camera” tells us that the 1848 church, shown here, was the third church building for its congregation. They began meeting in 1838, in a church they rented from local Baptists. Next, in 1840, they bought an Episcopal Methodist Church on Richmond Street.

Excerpts from Octavius Thompson’s book tell us about the design of the 1848 church.

“The Church is built of Kingston stone and white brick, with Ohio stone for facings and carved work. The outside measurement is 80 x 53 feet, and the height of the tower 100 feet. The sitting accommodation is for 785 persons.

The style of architecture is Gothic, and by professional men is considered very accurate and complete in its particular order. The architect was the late well-known Mr. Thomas. The Church has twice suffered considerably by fire, from external causes, but its elegance and substantiality do not seem to have been impaired. The interior of the Church, however, far surpasses the exterior view.

On entering, one is struck with its neatness and compactness, and the air of cheerfulness that prevails. The painting and colouring show the most perfect good taste; nothing vulgar or gaudy.”

Thompson also noted that "The Rev. John Jennings, D.D., has filled the pastorate during the whole period, commencing his service in December, 1838; a length of connection with one congregation which, while very common in Britain, the land of stability in its relations, is unusual in this country, especially in cities and towns; and the fact itself speaks for the mutual attachment of pastor and people."