First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto | |
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Front entrance of the congregation's previous building at 175 St Clair Ave. | |
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Location | Toronto |
Country | Canada |
Denomination | Canadian Unitarian Council |
Website | www |
History | |
Founded | 1845 |
Architecture | |
Functional status | Active |
Completed | 1950s (1993 extensive renovations) |
Clergy | |
Minister(s) | Rev. Shawn Newton and Rev. Lynn Harrison |
The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto is a
History
The congregation was founded in 1845, the second in Canada after the
Building
In 1993, the building underwent extensive renovations. The main space, named Sunderland Hall, was changed from an east-west to a north-south orientation. Workman Hall, which used to back on to Sunderland Hall as a disused stage was remodelled as a separate space and meeting area. Office and classroom spaces were updated and expanded. An airy
In September 2007, the city's heritage preservation committee proposed that the building be designated as a heritage property along with eight other church properties in the neighbourhood. At the request of the church's board of trustees, this designation was deferred until the church members could confer on the matter.[3][4]
Governance
The congregation is led by a nine-member Board of Trustees including a President and Vice-President. There is also a Treasurer, considered an ex-officio Board member. Trustees are elected by the congregation to three-year terms with the possibility of one renewal. Minister(s) of the church are considered as employees and are not members of the Board (although they frequently attend board meetings). The Board is responsible for forming policy, making decisions on behalf of the congregation and monitoring the congregation's operations within those policies. All Trustees are volunteers.
The congregation holds annual meetings to elect new Board members and review and approve the annual budget. Other issues affecting the entire congregation are also voted upon, as the need arises, at special meetings of the congregation.
Members
One of the prominent founding members was Joseph Workman, known as the "Father of Canadian Psychiatry". Other notable members include:
- Arthur Lismer, a painter, part of the Group of Seven
- Sir Francis Hincks, politician
- Emily Stowe, the first female doctor to practise in Canada
- William Dennison, the mayor of Toronto
- Donald Macdonald
- Michael Cassidy, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party.
References
- ^ "Building Our Home – First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto".
- ^ Heritage Designation Proposal. 2008. Toronto Preservation Board
- ^ St. Clair Avenue West Church Survey – Inclusion of Nine Properties on Heritage Inventory. September 27, 2007. Toronto Preservation Board and Toronto and East York Community Council. [1]
- ^ Letter to Preservation Board on the Heritage Designation. December 3, 2007. Richard Kirsh, President, Board of Trustees, First Unitarian Congregation. [2]