The iconic St. Margaret New Toronto Church on Sixth Street is one of the oldest places to worship in our community and has launched 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 Spanish Flu of 1918, Great Depression, two World Wars, Hurricane Hazel and now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reverend Jacqueline Daley said the funds raised will help the church 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 recalls. “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, care and compassion.

“We do not know what the future holds, but we know we will be there serving our community as we are called to do,” Daley says. “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 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 says.

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

Rebecca Wang, at 87, has been the organist at the church for more than 50 years.

“I love this church,” Wang says. “This is our home and it is a big family.”

Linda Elkerton said she was confirmed at St. Margaret’s, got married there and some of her children and grandchildren were baptized at the historic church.

“My mother has been attending the church since 1938,” Elkerton says proudly. “This is my community and this is our church.”

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. “St. Margaret has not only served others, but also welcomed four babies and one newcomer through baptism.”

A Thanksgiving Service was held on June 13 to celebrate the 115 anniversary of the church.

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