Denomination: Roman Catholic
Over the past 100 years, St. Cecilia’s Parish has become both a demographic and spiritual cornerstone of our community. In its early years, it was a place of worship as well as a meeting place for many Irish descendants and immigrants. Today, the Parish is home to a large Vietnamese congregation as well as a cross-section of Toronto’s multicultural descendants and new immigrants.
Both weather and age have taken their toll on the church’s structure. In 1895 the Catholic community had a great need to construct a place of worship. Today, the need exists to preserve the very church the community built. Fund-raising efforts to restore the once majestic structure swung into full gear in 1994. The daunting challenge facing what is now a relatively small parish is being met with faith and dedication.
In November 1994, Mr. Gordon Angus and his friend and assistant, Mr. Robert Mylchreest began restoration work on St. Cecilia’s 1915 organ. Estimates provided in previous years showed that the work costs would have totalled approximately $65,000.00. Mr. Angus and Mr. Mylchreest undertook the task free of charge and full of spirit. In five months, their precision, hard work and dedication was fulfilled. Upon completion Father Turk, the pastor at the time, asked the Anglican gentlemen if there was some way the congregation might show their appreciation. Father Turk paraphrased Mr. Angus’ response; “If your congregation will increase in numbers and spirit to praise the Lord, this will be the best remuneration for our work.”
Both weather and age have taken their toll on the church’s structure. In 1895 the Catholic community had a great need to construct a place of worship. Today, the need exists to preserve the very church the community built. Fund-raising efforts to restore the once majestic structure swung into full gear in 1994. The daunting challenge facing what is now a relatively small parish is being met with faith and dedication.
In November 1994, Mr. Gordon Angus and his friend and assistant, Mr. Robert Mylchreest began restoration work on St. Cecilia’s 1915 organ. Estimates provided in previous years showed that the work costs would have totalled approximately $65,000.00. Mr. Angus and Mr. Mylchreest undertook the task free of charge and full of spirit. In five months, their precision, hard work and dedication was fulfilled. Upon completion Father Turk, the pastor at the time, asked the Anglican gentlemen if there was some way the congregation might show their appreciation. Father Turk paraphrased Mr. Angus’ response; “If your congregation will increase in numbers and spirit to praise the Lord, this will be the best remuneration for our work.”
