List of United Church of Canada churches in Toronto explained

This is a list of United Church of Canada churches in Toronto, Ontario. In its early history, the city was an overwhelmingly Protestant community, and was a centre of Methodism. The Presbyterian Church also had a very strong presence. When the two denominations merged, Toronto was at the forefront of the formation of what became the United Church. The first council of the new church was held at Metropolitan United Church, still one of the city's most prominent. The later years of the 20th century saw a decline in the United Church in central Toronto, as followers of many new faiths moved in, forcing many of the downtown congregations to consolidate. At the same time the rise of the suburbs led to a new era of church building in the 1950s and 1960s. Today there are just under a hundred United Church churches in Toronto, but this number is steadily falling as congregations consolidate.

The Toronto Conference is one of the 13 conferences that the United Church is divided into. This conference covers much of south central Ontario, including all of the city of Toronto as well as the surrounding counties. The city itself is divided into two presbyteries:

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Alderwood United ChurchAlderwood1955
Asbury & West United ChurchBathurst and Lawrence18121947 Merger of Asbury and former West Presbyterian(1860); west was located at College and Montrose.
Avenue Road United ChurchSummerhill1899–1930Merged with St. Paul's-Avenue Road United Church
Bathurst Street United ChurchDowntown1860Congregation today meets at Trinity-St. Paul's United Church
Beach United ChurchThe Beaches2007 Merger of Bellefair United Church and Kew Beach United Church; now meeting in former Kew Beach building.
Bedford Park United ChurchBedford Park1922
Bellefair United ChurchThe Beaches1907–2007Merged with Kew Beach United Church to form Beach United Church
Berkeley Street United ChurchQueen East and Berkeley 1871–1955Merged with Regent Park United Church. Building is today an event venue
Beverley Hills United ChurchDownsview
Birchcliff Bluffs United ChurchScarboroughFounded 1919 as Birchcliffe Congregationalist; merged 2004 with Birchcliffe Heights in Birchcliffe.
Bloordale United ChurchEtobicoke1955
Bloor Street United ChurchDowntown1887
Centennial-Japanese United ChurchWillowdaleAlso home to Toronto Japanese Nichigo United Church. Located on Dovercourt until 2006
Centennial-Rouge United ChurchWest Hill
Carlton Street United ChurchDowntown1832–1959Merged with Sherbourne Street United to form St. Luke's United
Centennial United ChurchDufferin Grove1891–1986Today loft condominiums. In 1986 amalgamated with Toronto Japanese United Church to form Centennial-Japanese United Church
Central United ChurchWestonFounded 1821
Church of the Master United ChurchWoburn
Clinton Street United ChurchClinton and College1896–1928Merged with West United Church in 1928, then home of Dewi Sant Welsh United Church.
College Street United ChurchDowntownFounded 1874 as College Street Presbyterian Church
Cosburn United ChurchEast YorkFounded March 1933 / new building 1942www.cosburnunitedchurch.com
Davenport Perth United ChurchCarleton Village1818Originally Davenport Road Methodist Church, then Olde Davenport United Church, merged with Perth United in 1970
Deer Park United ChurchDeer ParkFounded 1881 as Deer Park Presbyterian Church
Dewi Sant Welsh United ChurchBedford Park1907-2022https://www.minister.ca/dewi-sant-s-farewellOnly Welsh language congregation in Canada. Amalgamated with Timothy Eaton Memorial.
Dentonia Park United ChurchEast YorkFounded 1924
Dufferin Street United ChurchDufferin and DavenportDisbanded 1961
Don Mills-Thorncliffe Park United ChurchEast YorkFounded 1819, as Don Mills Methodist; Thorncliffe started in 1960s, and redeveloped with housing.
Donway Covenant United ChurchDon Mills1954, 1990s merger of The Donway with Church of the Covenant (Don Valley Village) in The Donway.in midst of Don Mills
Downsview United ChurchDownsviewFounded 1844 as Downsview Methodist.Built in 1870, and is a Toronto Heritage Property.[1]
Earlscourt United ChurchEarlscourt1905–1969Founded as Boon Avenue Methodist Mission. It merged with St. David's United to form Faith United
Eastminster United ChurchThe Danforth1966Merger of North Broadview United (built as Chester Presbyterian) and Danforth United (built Methodist)
Eglinton United ChurchYonge and Eglinton1840–1999; Eglinton MethodistMerged into Eglinton St. George's United Church
Eglinton St. George's United ChurchLytton ParkFounded 1890 as Eglinton Presbyterian. Changed name in 1925 as Methodist congregation was older.
Elia United ChurchElia1900–1957Part of Downsview Circuit; now a Reformed Church
Emmanuel United Church, MalvernMalvern1864–1975First church to serve village of Malvern. Demolished 1975
Erskine United ChurchRoncesvalles1884–1961Originally called Fern Avenue Presbyterian. It was later called High Park. It was renamed Erskine United in 1925 as High Park Methodist was older. It merged with North Parkdale United to form Emmanuel United, today Emmanuel-Howard Park United
Fairbank United ChurchGlen Park1860 as Methodist congregationmerger with St. Cuthburt's (former Fairbank Presbyterian) in 2000; St. Cuthburt's House on site.
Fairlawn Avenue United ChurchBedford Park1915Founded as Fairlawn Methodist. Three other congregations have merged into Fairlawn (Armour Heights 1988, and St. James-Bond 2005)
Faith United ChurchEarlscourt1969–1992Created from a merger of Earlscourt United and St. David's United. Building sold to Bethlehem United Church of Christ (Apostolic) later demolished 1995
Forest Grove United ChurchWillowdale1950sAlso home to Immanuel Toronto Korean UC
Forest Hill United ChurchForest Hill1940
Gerrard Street United ChurchGerrard and River1880–1939Merged with St. Enoch's United
Glebe Road United ChurchDavisvilleAlso home to Deutsche Evangeliums United Church
Glen Ayr United ChurchBendale1960
Glen Rhodes United ChurchLeslieville1984Merger of Rhodes Avenue United (1906 Presbyterian) and Glen Mount United (Methodist)
Glenmount United ChurchUpper Beaches1909–1984Merged with Rhodes Avenue United to form Glen Rhodes United
High Park Korean United Churchnear High Park1908Formerly High Park United Church, Originally Methodist.
Hope United ChurchThe Danforth1880Founded as Hope Methodist
Howard Park United ChurchRoncesvalles1908-1969 Founded as Howard Park Methodist. It merged with Emmanuel United to form Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church
Humber Valley United ChurchHumber Valley1952
Humbercrest United ChurchBaby Point1912Founded as Methodist
Humbervale United ChurchEtobicoke
Hungarian United Church
Iondale Heights United ChurchIonview
Islington United ChurchIslington1840sThe original building was on Dundas Street West. It moved to Burnhamthope Road in the 1950s.
Jane-Finch Community MinistryJane and Finch1982
Jubilee United ChurchDon Mills1835Founded as York Mills Presbyterian. 2000 merger of Bethesda United (1886 move of York Mills to former Methodist building), Victoria Village, and Donminster in Donminster building;
Kew Beach United ChurchThe Beaches1890–2007Founded as Kew Beach Presbyterian. It merged with Bellefair United (originally Methodist) to form Beach United
Kimbourne Park United ChurchThe Danforth1913Founded as Greenwood Avenue Presbyterian Church. It moved in the 1930s
Kingston Road United ChurchThe Beaches1927 merger of former Presbyterian and Methodist Missions in North Beaches.
Kingsway-Lambton United ChurchThe Kingsway1845Founded as Lambton Mills Methodist. It was originally located at Lambton Mills on Dundas Street. It moved to The Kingsway in 1936.
Knob Hill United ChurchBendale1955
Knox United ChurchScarborough1844Founded through York Mills Presbyterian Church. It was erected in 1848.
Lansing United ChurchLansing
Lawrence Park Community Church[2] Lawrence Park1950
Leaside United ChurchLeaside1930
Malvern-Emmanuel United ChurchMalvern1980Replaced the former rural congregation in Malvern subdivision.
Manor Road United ChurchDavisville
Martin Grove United ChurchRexdaleOriginally West Humber United Church. Merged with Rexdale United (1956) in 1994.
Metropolitan United ChurchDowntown1818Founded as Methodist
Mount Dennis United ChurchMount Dennis1960 Merger of Chalmers United (formerly Mt. Dennis Presbyterian 1913) and Pearen Memorial United (Mt. Dennis Methodist 1903). Meeting in former Presbyterian building, has been joined by Harwood (formerly Presbyterian) 1962, and Silverthorn in 1995; that had absorbed St Luke's United York Township (formerly Silverthorn Presbyterian) in 1943, and Prospect Park United Church (originally Methodist) in 1970.
Newtonbrook United ChurchWillowdale1800sFounded as Newtonbrook Methodist. Also home to Taiwanese United Church and Lester B. Pearson housing complex. Named after son of former Prime Minister.
North Broadview United ChurchBroadview and Dearbourne1891–1966Founded as Chester Presbyterian. Merged with Danforth United (originally Methodist) to become Eastminster United; building torn down to become Chester Village Seniors Complex in 1970, commemorative stone placed in lobby. Toronto Housinmg is now gutting building after Chester Village moved to Scarborough.
North Riverdale United ChurchRiverdale1925–1929Met in Harcourt Hall, as minority from Riverdale Presbyterian (including Minister) who supported 1925 Union. Not being able to acquire building, joined with North Broadview, Danforth, Donlands, Riverdale, and other congregations.
North Parkdale UnitedRoncesvalles1889–1961Merged with Erskine United to form Emmanuel United, today Emmanuel-Howard Park United;
North Runnymede United ChurchRockcliffe–Smythe1913Founded as Scarlett Plains Methodist in 1913
Northlea United ChurchLeaside1955
Northminster United ChurchWillowdale1955
Onnuri Korean United Church Bedford Park
Oriole-York Mills United ChurchWillowdale
Parkdale United ChurchParkdale1876 Founded as Parkdale Methodist. Large building replaced by apartment complex in 1980
Parkwoods United ChurchDon Mills1960Housing complex added in the 1990s
Perth United ChurchJunction Triangle1889Originally Ernest Avenue Methodist, merged with Davenport Road United in 1970 to form Davenport Perth United. Building is today Perth Avenue Adventist, but presently for sale.
Presteign Woodbine United ChurchParkview Hills1918 as Gledhill Methodist Mission; 1921 Woodbine Heights Methodist; 1925 Woodbine United to 1986. Presteign 1950 1986 merger of Woodbine and Presteign in Presteign building; Woodbine remained as Daycare Centre, redeveloped in 2000. Then Presteign-Woodbine merged into Leaside United in 2015.
Regent Park United ChurchRegent Park
Rhodes Avenue United ChurchLeslieville1908–1984; first as Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church, Street renamed Rhodes in 1911, then Rhodes UC in 1925. Merged with Glenmount United to form Glen Rhodes United
Richview United ChurchCentennial ParkFounded in 1829 as Richview Methodist. Building expropriated for 427-401-Richview Expressway complex; congregation moved into new subdivision; cemetery remains in highway median.
Riverdale United ChurchRiverdale1862 as Riverdale MethodistCongregation closed on June 30, 2010. In 2018, the building was slated for demolition to be developed into a site for affordable housing by WoodGreen Community Services.
Riverside-Emery United ChurchWeston1965 merger of Emery United Church (1960) and Riverside (1938) in Riverside (1951 building) 1980 fire gutted entire building; rebuilt 1981.
Roncesvalles United ChurchRoncesvalles1884A merger of three churches that were once in the area. Previously known as Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church, the congregation changed its name to Roncesvalles United Church in 2016.
Royal York Road United ChurchEtobicokeFounded in 1889 as Tomlinson MethodistQueensway United joined in 1970
Rosedale United ChurchRosedale1868Founded as Northern Congregational Church moved to Rosedale in 1914, Rosedale Union Church 1922.
Runnymede United ChurchBloor West Villageformed 1925 by Minority Presbyterians from Victoria Presbyterian.
Scarborough Bluffs United ChurchScarborough BluffsCongregation founded 1803.2004 Merger of Washington United (Scarborough Methodist) and Cliffcrest United (1948) in 1950s Washington building. Cemetery located south of property on Scarborough Golf Club Road where previous buildings (and Kingston Road alignment) were located.
Sherbourne Street United ChurchDowntown1872–1959Merged with Carlton Street United to form St. Luke's United
Silverthorn United Churchearly 1900s–1995Originally Silverthorn Methodist. Welcomed neighbouring St Luke's (formerly Presbyterian) United in 1943 (shared Pastoral charge in 1930s). Merged with Mount Dennis United Church, and building demolished and replaced by houses on Aileen Street.
Simpson Avenue United ChurchLeslieville1889–1991 as Simpson Avenue Methodist.Merged with Glen Rhodes United Church, building now home to Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
Downtown1949 Merger of Old St. Andrew's United Church (from 1830) and Westminster (Yorkville Canada Presbyterian 1860)- Central (Yorkville Methodist 1841) in former Westminster (1892, gutted by fire 1922) building. Ols St. Andrew's Split off from St. Andrew's Church in 1876, as well as Grosvenor Street Split from Bay Street/Erskine Presbyterian the same year. Yonge Street (formerly Summerhill Methodist 1873) joined in 1970sBuilding redeveloped into office complex, with smaller Worship area.
St. David's United ChurchEarlscourt1906–1969 as Prospect Park Presbyterian Mission, St. David's Presbyterian, and St. David's United. Merged with Earlscourt United to form Faith United, building acquired by Seventh Day Adventist congregation, who sold building for revelopement; datestone for Church is on wall of development with plaque commemorating Seventh Day Adventist Congregation.
St. Enoch's United ChurchSackville and Winchester 1885–1970 as St. Enoch's Presbyterian Church, Building today is the Winchester Street Theatre; plaque in Riverdale Park notes the link with St. Enoch's pioneer minister as father of Sir Ernest MacMillan
St. James United ChurchEtobicoke1951
St. James-Bond ChurchNorth Toronto1928–2005; move of two downtown congregations; Bond Congregationalist (1830s) and St. James Square United Presbyterian (1853)Merged into Fairlawn Avenue United Church, building demolished in 2007.
St. John's United Church Agincourt1955Replacing name of rural St. John's Milliken United Church, destroyed in 1929.
St. Luke's United ChurchDowntownFounded in 1874 as Sherbourne Street MethodistMerged in 1959 with Carlton Street (1832 Primitive Methodist) in Sherbourne building.
St. Luke's United Church, EtobicokeEtobicoke1955–2010.
St. Mark's United ChurchWoburn1965building destroyed by fire in 1970s. rebuilt
St. Matthew's United ChurchHillcrest1966 merger of St. Clair United (Methodist) with St. Columba United (Wychwood Presbyterian 1902). Further mergers include Faith United.
St. Paul's United ChurchCliffside1920 as Scarborough Bluffs Presbyterianexpanded facilities in 1960s
St. Paul's-Avenue Road United ChurchDowntown1877–1980Merged with Trinity-St. Paul's United Church
St. Paul's Lakeshore United ChurchLong Branch1924
Timothy Eaton Memorial United ChurchForest HillFounded in 1914 as Timothy Eaton Memorial Methodist Church
Toronto Chinese United ChurchMilliken1910moved from Elizabeth Street in 1990s.
Trethewey Park United Church1926-1971Merged with Elverston Park United Church to form Elverston-Trethewey United Church (closed 2001) after 3 moves.
Trinity-St. Paul's United ChurchDowntownFounded in 1889 as Trinity Methodist Church.Merged with St. Paul's-Avenue Road in the 1980s.
Victoria Park United ChurchClairleaFounded in 1917 as Dawes Road Methodist ChurchRelocated in 1949 from East York to new Scarborough subdivision. Closed as of April 15, 2018 (final service).
Wanstead United ChurchOakridge1923 as Warden Park Presbyterian Mission.Merged with St. Paul's Scarborough (Cliffside) in 2012. Wanstead building sold and now a Mosque.
Wesley United ChurchDundas and Ossington1876–1983Merged with Grace-Carmen to form Wesley-Grace-Carmen
Wesley-Grace-Carmen United Church1983–1988Merged with Westmoreland to form Westennial United Church
Wesley-Mimico United ChurchMimico1925 Merger of Wesley Methodist and Mimico Presbyterian.
West Ellesmere United ChurchMaryvale1956Major split in 1980 led to Good Shepherd Community Church in L'Amoreaux Community.
West Hill United Church West Hill1947
West United ChurchDowntown1860-1947. Started as West Presbyterian.Started in Brock Hall, buildings constructed 1863 and 1879 on Deniston Avenue. Sold 1910, became St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church. Moved to College and Montrose, merged with Clinton Street United Church (Methodist) in 1927, and into Asbury & West United Church.
Westennial United ChurchDundas and Ossington1988–1997Merger of Wesley-Grace-Carmen and Westmoreland United. Building today is St. Christopher House
Westminster-Central United ChurchDowntown1925–1950Formed in 1925 by merger of Westminster Presbyterian and Central Methodist. Merged with Old St. Andrew's United in 1950 to become St. Andrew's United.
Westminster United ChurchWestonFounded in 1847 as Weston Presbyterian (Free Church)Moved into new building near Weston and Lawrence; Old Church split in 1914. Constructed new building east of Railway in 1950s.
Westmoreland United ChurchDovercourt1884–1988Merged with Wesley-Grace-Carmen to form Westennial United Church
Westway United ChurchEtobicoke1957
Wexford Heights United ChurchWexfordFounded in 1842 as Zion Methodist Church, Wexford.Joined Presbyterian Church in 1888 following dissatisfaction with Methodist union and closing of congregation. Joined UCC in 1925, built new structure in 1950s, and amalgamated with Wilmar Heights (1957) in 2002.
Willowdale United ChurchWillowdale1815 as Willowdale Methodist.Originally at Yonge and Church, but moved when Yonge widened in 1953
Wilmar Heights United ChurchWexford1957–2002Closed after constructing apartment complex, building serves as Southeast Presbytery offices.
Windermere United ChurchSwansea1911
WoodGreen United ChurchLeslieville1873–2004

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Heritage Property Detail . City of Toronto . 2024-02-26.
  2. Web site: Home . lawrenceparkchurch.ca.