St. Luke's United Church

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Saint Luke's United Church
St. Luke's United Church (37012520403).jpg
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
43°39′47″N 79°22′22″W / 43.66306°N 79.37278°W / 43.66306; -79.37278
Location353 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 2S3
DenominationUnited Church of Canada
Websitechurch website
Administration
ProvinceOntario
Toronto Conference
PresbyteryToronto South
Clergy
Minister(s)Jim Keenan
Saint Luke's United Church Sherbourne Street elevation

Saint Luke's United Church is located at 353 Sherbourne Street (on the southeast corner of Carlton and Sherbourne Streets) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Originally built across the street from the old site of Toronto General Hospital, it is now across from Allan Gardens. The building was originally home to Sherbourne Street Methodist Church, later Sherbourne United. It merged with Carlton Street United in 1959 to create St. Luke's. Sherbourne was founded in 1872, while Carlton originated in 1832.

History[]

Toronto Historical Board
Plaque erected outside the church in 1987
This church was known as Sherbourne Street Methodist when it opened for worship 5 June 1887. Designed by architects Langley and Burke, it replaced a smaller house of worship built here in 1871. The handsome stonework and fine stained glass are of special note. Memorial windows bear the names of Sir Joseph Flavelle, Sir Albert Kemp, H.H. Fudger and Richard Brown, who along with many other prominent Toronto businessmen were active members of the congregation. Their philanthropy and participation in social programs began a community minded tradition that has continued through the years. In 1959, Sherbourne and Carlton United joined to form Saint Luke's United Church.

Community use[]

The interior of the church's sanctuary

The church building houses many different types of rooms to accommodate various activities, including: the main sanctuary, a chapel, a gymnasium, two kitchens, a few administrative offices, some meeting rooms, and a formal parlor. As a result of this diversity of space, the church has become a community center that hosts functions for the general public. Concerts are held in the church from time to time, and several musical groups use the building as a space for practice. Dance groups and theater troupes are also tenants of the building. Some non-profit organizations including: Alcoholics Anonymous, abuse prevention programs, continuing education programs and food banks use the church's meeting and kitchen spaces to benefit the community. Several sports groups including a fencing club, and martial arts group train in the gymnasium on a regular basis. The church also displays pride flags and is open to all; it even hosts a dance group geared toward the gay community.

Congregations[]

The main sanctuary and chapel currently are host to seven different worship groups, six of which are culturally different Christian denominations, and the other being a Buddhist meditation circle. St. Luke's has actually hosted up to nine different congregations simultaneously in the past. In addition to the United Church of Canada, other congregations that use the building include the Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Sheep Flock Korean Presbyterian Church, and several other congregations and community groups.

See also[]

External links[]

Coordinates: 43°39′47″N 79°22′22″W / 43.663048°N 79.372648°W / 43.663048; -79.372648

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