History Knox Presbyterian Church (Toronto)

the knox church building 1847 1895

from split ( disruption ) in church of scotland , in canadas, knox took active role in reunion of presbyterian groups in canada. in 1861, free church of knox belonged to, , canada synod of united presbyterian church of scotland joined; , in 1875, presbyterian church in canada, uniting auld kirk , free kirk .

over time, knox s location had become more commercial fewer residents in area. @ time toronto had strict lord s day laws prevented public transit running on sundays, making imperative churches located near population.

in 1895, church severely damaged fire began @ robert simpson building next door. fire destroyed steeple, never rebuilt. decided move church in 1906, , in january 1909, church officially moved present home @ 630 spadina avenue west of university of toronto, @ harbord street; memorial stones cited in enclosed article (1886 profile), moved new building.

the mixed romanesque revival , gothic revival building designed congregation member james wilson gray.

in june 1925, knox instrumental in maintaining continuity of presbyterian church in canada, building, midnight vigil held, led 79 ministers , elders voted against consummation of union (in nearby college street church) formed united church of canada, maintained continuity general assembly. congregation, knox had voted against union earlier year, vote of 20-788. there gains congregation of in surrounding congregations went union.

in 1950s, congregation challenged leave community, post world war ii suburban expansion affected toronto, , spadina expressway (later abandoned) proposed run along spadina avenue. under leadership of rev. dr. william fitch, arrived in 1955 springburn area of glasgow, scotland, congregation built adjoining hall (knox fellowship centre) in 1961, , expanded ministries inner city (evangel hall @ 573 queen street west had been run knox since 1913), universities (including ryerson , york, , community colleges such nearby george brown college), , during summer months, began weekly knox summer fellowship, wednesday evening services brought (or introduced) renowned speakers around world.

the congregation reflective of changing demographic in multicultural community; esl classes offered, , has developed broad support group many christian missionaries under support , care. there knox youth dinner & food bank programme street youth in winter, , continues blessed well-attended sunday morning , evening worship services.

there great support , tradition missionaries, both on home , international scenes. there current roster of 46 (19 couples), 17 phase 2 missionaries (4 couples) supported in retirement years; along others have been linked through liaisons other recognized organizations including presbyterian church.