About
Did you think that it was a beautiful old building that only opens its doors on a Sunday?
My friend, you could not be more wrong!
St. Andrew's is a living church, wit its congregation, drawn from across the city, representing the diversity of Toronto. Presbyterianism at St. Andrew's crosses cultural, educational and social boundaries with the congregation united by a common commitment to worship and to community service. This commitment is reflected in the St. Andrew's mission statement - "The people of St. Andrew's are called by God to serve in faith, hope and love in the heart of Toronto" - a commitment to minister to the needs of the wide variety of people who live and work in the downtown area. Our outreach programs reflect this commitment, to the young, the old, to newcomers or to those in need of comfort, both spiritual and practical.
A Living Church
Home to one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in Canada, St. Andrew’s was founded in 1830, at the southwest corner of Church and Adelaide Streets while the present building was opened for worship in 1876. At that time the King and Simcoe Streets location was a busy place and most of the congregation lived within easy walking distance of the church. Across the street stood Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Upper Canada College stood on a second corner and on a third was a popular tavern. With St. Andrew’s, the four corners were known locally as Legislation, Education, Damnation and Salvation!!
The History of St. Andrew’s
Of particular interest may be the Gallery Organ and choir loft. In 1852 St. Andrew’s was the first Presbyterian church in Canada to introduce organ music – and at the time this was quite a controversial decision — and which seems hard to believe today, since music has long played an integral part of both worship and outreach at St. Andrew’s.
We have many beautiful stained glass windows, with the 48th Highlanders window being one of the most unique in Canada. It reflects St. Andrew’s long history with the 48th Highlanders, a regiment founded in 1891, whose museum, which includes one of the original Vimy Ridge crosses, is located in the basement of the church and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Links to:
• A Virtual Tour can be reached here→
Our Ministers
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Reverend Dr. William G. Ingram
Senior Minister
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Reverend Jaylynn Byassee
Associate Minister
Session & Ministries
Six ministry areas support worship, care, learning, outreach and innovation. Together with the Session, they help guide and sustain the life of the congregation.
St. Andrew’s works alongside local, national and international partners who support vulnerable neighbours, provide housing, offer campus ministry and serve communities around the world.
Friends & Partners
St. Andrew’s Library
St. Andrew’s Library offers a quiet space to read, study, research and explore books from the church’s collection. Materials may be used on site, borrowed through the sign-out system, or searched through the online catalogue.