The iconic St. Margaret New Toronto Church on Sixth Street is one of the oldest places to worship in our community and has kicked off a fundraiser to celebrate its 115 years of service.

Church officials say the beautiful South Etobicoke house of prayer served the community faithfully during the Great Depression, the Spanish Flu of 1918, two World Wars, Hurricane Hazel and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reverend Jacqueline Daley said a year-long fundraiser will help the church to serve the New Toronto community for another 115 years and beyond.

“The church started serving in 1906 as a humble mission of Christ Church Mimico,” Daley said. “The building received a present for its 100th birthday in a massive renovation that enabled her to serve the community better.”

She said St. Margaret is an accessible community hub for social justice, hospitality, car and compassion.

“We do not know what the future holds, but we know we will be there during it, serving our community as we are called to do,” Daley said. “During the pandemic, we served three-course take-out Christmas and Easter dinners.”

The church provides food and care five times a week, in addition to serving 300 meals weekly, washes 40 loads of laundry and providing showers for church-goers. This is possible through their partnership with LAMP Community Health Center and support from Lakeshore Out of the Cold.

It has baptized generations into the faith, buried loved ones, comforted the grieving and helped the vulnerable in need, she said.

“We have helped rebuild many lives after countless tragedies and losses,” Daley said. “After 115 years, St. Margaret continues to be a vibrant Christian community providing spiritual care, faith formation and hospitality to all.”

The church has members from Sri Lanka, Cuba, Iran, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Uganda.

“Our doors to those in need are never closed,” she said. “We shifted to serve and welcome as we are able. St. Margaret has not only served others, but also welcomed four babies and one newcomer through baptism.”

A Thanksgiving Service will be held on June 13 at 10:30AM, with visiting and former priest, Rev. Ken Roduszka.

Also join them weekly on Zoom from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for an all-ages church. Connect by phone at 647-558-0588.