Walmer Road Baptist Church

Walmer Road Baptist Church is a Baptist church located at 188 Lowther Avenue at Walmer Road, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. It was founded and built in 1889.

Early in 1889 Elmore Harris then pastor Bloor Street Baptist Church (which became Yorkminster Park Baptist Church) became convinced that there was need of more facilities for divine worship in the north-western part of Toronto. After consulting with his friends and sympathizers it was decided that Walmer Road was the most suitable spot where a church might be erected. Immediately the question of site was decided upon by Mr. Alanson Harris, of Brantford (founder of A. Harris, Son & Co. Ltd.) purchased the lot whereon the church now stands, at a cost of $7,600.

In April, 1889, Elmore Harris resigned as pastor of Bloor Street Church, which took effect on 15 October 1889. The first building (later referred to as the school chapel) was completed in October, 1889, and was opened on 20 October 1889. Sixty-two people received letters of transfer from the Bloor Street Church. During its first years many people united with the church from the Sabbath School (Sunday School). In the latter half of 1891 it was found that increased accommodation was necessary, and as soon as this became known Mr. Alanson Harris and Mrs. John Harris, stated their willingness to provide the funds to enlarge the building. Accordingly the main sanctuary of the church, was erected, at a cost of $70,000 and became, as far as accommodation was concerned, the largest church in Canada. The dedication of the new sanctuary took place on 6 November 1892.

Walmer Road Baptist Church was designed and built in 1889-1892 in the Gothic Revival style by the architectural firm of Henry Langley and Edmund Burke. The interior of the church was built to accommodate on the floor and in the galleries, at least 1,500 people.

Christie Street Baptist Church was founded in 1898 by the congregation from Walmer Road. Until the beginning of the year 1902 it was a mission agency. It was officially organized in 1907 under pastor H. R. Nobles.

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