top of page

Save St. John's from Closing

We urge you to join us in helping to keep St. John’s open. We believe that with your help, we can prevent the closure of St. John's and ensure that it continues to serve future generations. Here are some ways you can support our cause:

 

Speak out in support of the parish of St. John’s West Toronto and its community partners through:

 

Letter writing and communications to key decision makers for Toronto’s city government and the Diocese of Toronto: 

Saving St. John's Graphic.jpg

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

​

It is with a deep sense of urgency and heartfelt concern that we reach out to you today. St. John's Anglican Church, West Toronto, a cherished historic landmark and vital part of our community since 1923, has been ordered to close by the Diocese of Toronto on July 30, 2024. This beautiful church has been a cornerstone of our community, providing spiritual guidance, social support, and a place of refuge for countless individuals and families over the years. In 2023 we celebrated 100 years in this building on Humberside Avenue.

​

St. John's is more than just a building; it is a living testament to our shared history, culture, and faith. It has witnessed generations of weddings, baptisms, funerals, and community gatherings. The church has a strong and proud legacy for Social Justice initiatives and pioneering the drive for inclusion of all. Its doors have always been open to those in need, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging.

​

Additionally, St. John’s houses the Early Enrichment Day Care (EEDC) since 1989 which cares for over 50 children every day in a city in desperate need of childcare spaces.  St. John’s has also provided a safe space for Alcoholics Anonymous since 1986.

 

To the best of our knowledge, the Diocese will honor the current contract with EEDC. We fear that with the closure of St. John’s, any renewal for EEDC will not happen. Additionally, if St. John’s is closed, the on-site property management done by the wardens of the parish will be outsourced to a general property manager. This will most likely increase the time needed for repairs, and we are worried about the disruptive effects for EEDC that this will bring.

​

We urge you to join us in helping to keep St. John’s open. We believe that with your help, we can prevent the closure of St. John's and ensure that it continues to serve future generations. Here are some ways you can support our cause:

 

Speak out in support of the parish of St. John’s West Toronto and its community partners through:

 

Letter writing and communications to key decision makers for Toronto’s city government and the Diocese of Toronto: 

 

 

Share on Social Media: Amplify our message by sharing this letter and your personal stories about St. John's on social media. Use the hashtag #SaveStJohnsWestToronto to create a unified voice that highlights the importance of this historic church. Encourage your friends, family, and followers to do the same and share on groups that you belong to. This will unify our efforts and encourage others to share their stories and support.

 

Share information about and attend events at St. John’s through to July 30 including our upcoming Sweet Tea Craft Sale (see sjwt.ca)

 

Financial Support: We need immediate financial assistance to help sustain St. John's during this critical time. Donations can be made through CanadaHelps, a secure and trusted platform for charitable giving. Every contribution, no matter how small, could help our beloved and historic church. Also, during the month of June, every $10 or more donation through CanadaHelps offers one of 2 chances to win $10,000 in their annual Giving Challenge contest. You can donate directly at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-johns-church-west-toronto/

​

For updates and additional information, please check back here frequently.

​

We understand that times are challenging for many, but we firmly believe that with your help in strengthening the community’s voice, we will have a better chance of reversing the Bishop’s decision. This is an opportunity to prevent the destruction of another historic building in the Junction and build on our shared heritage.

​

Thank you for your support and your dedication to preserving St. John's Anglican Church, West Toronto.

​

With gratitude and hope,

 

Jennifer Jenkins, Rector’s Warden for St. John’s

Andrea Rutty, People’s Warden for St. John’s

wardens@sjwt.ca

 

Together, let us ensure that St. John's continues to be a place of worship, community, and history for many years to come.

St. John's Anglican Church in West Toronto, a beloved historic landmark and vital community hub, is facing imminent closure by the Diocese of Toronto. Built in 1923, this church has not only been a place of worship but also a cornerstone of community life for nearly a century.

​

We are writing to present a heartfelt argument for keeping St. John's Anglican Church in Toronto open, grounded in the teachings of the Bible and the principles of our faith.

​

A Place of Worship and Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25 urges us, "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." St. John's has been a sacred space where we gather to worship, pray, and encourage one another. It is a place where our faith is strengthened and our spirits are uplifted through communal worship.

 

Serving the Community: Matthew 25:40 reminds us of the importance of serving others: "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" St. John's embodies this principle by offering vital services to the community, including the Early Enrichment Day Care (EEDC) and providing a safe space for Alcoholics Anonymous. These services are invaluable to the well-being of many families and individuals.

 

Preserving Our Heritage: Proverbs 22:28 advises, "Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors." St. John's is not just a building; it is a historical landmark and a testament to our shared heritage and faith. Preserving it honors the legacy of those who came before us and ensures that future generations can also find solace and strength within its walls.

 

A Beacon of Inclusivity: Galatians 3:28 proclaims, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." St. John's has been a pioneer in social justice and inclusivity, welcoming all individuals, including the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Its mission reflects the inclusive love and acceptance that Christ teaches us.

​

In conclusion, St. John's Anglican Church is a vital part of our spiritual, historical, and social fabric. We urge you to join us in our efforts to keep its doors open, continuing its mission of worship, service, and inclusivity. Together, let us ensure that St. John's remains a place where faith and community can flourish.

bottom of page