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Two beautiful churches here in Toronto, the right Baptist, the left Presbyterian-both slated for deconsecration, demolition

As a consolation, here's a happier ending for a similar church boarded up 40 years ago. Our Maronite Catholic pastor was looking for a new church for his growing congregation. Despite the fact that the local RC diocese had closed several local area churches, none of these was made available for purchase.

The Maronite Catholic pastor found a 150 year old Methodist/Episcopal (when they were still joined) Church. The owners had been offered good money over the years by commercial developers seeking to tear down the church and replace it with a business. They refused to budge.

When the pastor contacted them, they happily sold him the property which includes a small residence, for a fraction of its value. Their primary concern was to ensure the church remained a place of worship, regardless of denomination.

The interior remained untouched since its construction. It includes a wood buttressed ceiling and several magnificent stained glass windows. It needed serious repairs, though. Recently, after filing appropriate paperwork, both buildings were accorded Landmark status thus entitling them to matching state grants for restoration work.

It's a costly process to restore the buildings and make the necessary adjustments to convert it from a protestant to catholic worship space but the project is moving ahead. Our parish will celebrate its centennial this year. While the new church will not be completed in time, with God's grace (and some hefty donations), the aspirations of a protestant group to save its church and those of a Catholic priest for a new church, will soon come to fruition when the bishop comes to dedicate the church.

Ironically, since acquiring this property, the RC diocese closed 5 area churches! Those congregations will benefit from our presence once this project is completed.