Forging On (1954–present)
1955
Dr. William Fitch (1911–1984)
Rev. William Fitch, M.A., B.D., Ph D.
Minister, 1955–1972
In 1954, a call is extended to Rev. William Fitch. His first pastorate was Loudoun East Church in Newmilnes, Scotland. In 1944, he became minister at Springburn Hill Parish Church in Glasgow, where he served for eleven years. Rev. Fitch at first declines the call from Knox, largely because he heads an organizing committee which is planning a Billy Graham crusade in Scotland for the spring of 1955. When Knox repeats the call, Dr. Fitch accepts. He is installed as minister at Knox on May 12, 1955. Given that Knox has recently experienced two short pastorates and two long vacancies, Rev. Fitch has key priorities to address. Seeking to reach university students for Christ, he revitalizes Knox’s youth ministry. He also works to build up Knox’s mission outreach, both globally and locally. Everything is underpinned by his outstanding skill as a preacher, and his messages from the pulpit are always absolutely faithful to Scripture.
1955
Dr. Fitch begins to broadcast the weekly CFRB Sunday-evening radio programme Faith For Today.
1956
Knox and the Baraca Club
In 1956, Harry Cooper, Knox elder and manager of the Baraca Club since 1918, retires at the age of 82. The club donates its facilities at 16 Bancroft Place to Knox, which has been providing financial support for some time. Knox names the clubhouse the “Knox Youth Centre” and hires Sam Butler to carry on the work, with responsibility for community outreach to children and youth. At the same time, Ian Rennie, a former worker with IVCF now completing theological studies at Knox College, joins Knox staff as a youth leader.
Knox Church, Aug. 26, 1956. Photo by James V. Salmon.
(Toronto Public Library)
Renovations
The Knox sanctuary undergoes extensive renovations. During this time, the congregation worships in the auditorium of Central Technical School. The revamped sanctuary reopens on Easter Sunday.
1957
Should Knox Move?
In 1957, discussions are held amongst church leadership bodies and the congregation as to whether Knox should remain at its present location. By this time, Knox has become a “commuter church” with many congregants travelling long distances to attend Sunday worship. The main catalyst for relocation, however, is the proposed Spadina Expressway. Final plans call for the expressway to be located in a trench running along the middle of Spadina Rd. and Spadina Ave. This will necessitate the demolition of most of the houses on Spadina north of Bloor as well as the obliteration of Spadina Crescent and the old Knox College building. Concerns over the noise, dirt and deterioration of the neighbourhood which the expressway will bring prompt Knox to consider leaving. Ultimately, the decision is made to stay where we are. It is felt that evangelization opportunities in our current location are greater than ever with the postwar expansion of the University of Toronto across the street and the influx of new immigrants into the surrounding area.
After intense grassroots opposition, the Spadina Expressway will be cancelled by the provincial government in 1971.
From the Transit Toronto weblog article “The Expressways of Toronto (Built and Unbuilt).”
Proposed Spadina Expressway at Harbord St.
View looks south along Spadina in this artist’s rendition from c. 1970. Note that many of the buildings in this somewhat fanciful representation, meant to depict the urban redevelopment benefits which the expressway was supposed to bring, were never actually erected. Knox Church is depicted at the upper right.
1957
Tom Rees at Knox
Tom Rees, a well-known British evangelist who did outreach work in the slums of London, founded the Hildenborough Hall Christian conference centre for young people and conducted mass rallies at Albert Hall is invited to Knox to spearhead a Youth Weekend aimed at university students.
1958
Rev. Tom Allen
Knox participates in a mission campaign sponsored jointly with Trinity United, Bloor Street United and Walmer Road Baptist which brings the well-known Scottish evangelist Rev. Tom Allen to Toronto. Rev. Allen is an author, columnist, broadcaster and pioneer of practical Christian social work who pastors in working-class Glasgow parishes, first at North Kelvinside and later at St. George’s-Tron Church. In the mid-1950s, he embarks on the “Tell Scotland” evangelical crusade. While in Toronto, he conducts rallies as well as a school for evangelism which brings in clergy and lay people from across the city.
1960
Members of the last Board of Directors of the Baraca Club.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Fred Bell (President), Norman Weiss, Harry Cooper, and John McCullough. The three other gentlemen are unknown.
Photo taken Dec. 18, 1960, in front of the construction shack on the site of the Fellowship Centre.
Building the Fellowship Centre
Shortly after Knox assumes responsibility for the Baraca Club, the University of Toronto announces it will expropriate the clubhouse site on Bancroft Place. After several years of negotiation, Knox and the University agree on terms. A New Building Committee is formed to study the question of replacing the clubhouse facilities. In 1960, it is empowered by the congregation to enter into a contract to build a new Fellowship Centre immediately to the south of the existing church building on land owned by Knox. On Dec. 18, 1960, the cornerstone is laid by Harry Cooper.
1961
From Knox Church Toronto: Avant-garde, Evangelical, Advancing (1971)
Opening of the Fellowship Wing
The Fellowship Centre is opened on May 16, 1961. With a primary focus of youth outreach, the new building contains many of the facilities which had been available at the old Baraca Club, including a gym and bowling alley, but not — alas — the swimming pool. There is also a large kitchen and a chapel which in future will be used to seed new congregations. The total cost is $345,000. The gym is named “Gordon Hall” after H.B. Gordon who for many years taught Scripture classes at the Baraca Club.
Reima Robertson, Knox librarian since the 1960s, was advised that a long time ago, a member of the Board kept a suitcase of books and lent them out every Sunday morning. A while later, a bookcase was put in the back hallway, and the Bible School became responsible for stocking the library. Reima notes that in 1959, the room which is now the nursery was being used as an all-purpose room, and this included a library.
When the Fellowship Centre was constructed in 1961, space for a library was provided adjacent to the Common Room, where all the young people’s meetings convened. In no time it was well stocked with current biblical and theological works, commentaries, dictionaries, and Bible study material. Although it was accessible to the younger crowd, it was not convenient for the congregation at large as it was far away and accessed via a flight of stairs.
1962
Dr. Leighton Ford.
(Leighton Ford Ministries)
Dr. Leighton Ford
Knox holds a two-week crusade with Leighton Ford, the brother-in-law of Billy Graham, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Ford will go on to become Vice-President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Programme Chair of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and a board member for World Vision U.S. The 1962 crusade is the first of many visits Dr. Ford would make to Canada.
Knox Summer Fellowship
To counteract low summer attendance at Sunday worship, a program of Wednesday evening Bible teaching is commenced in 1962. “Summer Fellowship” is held from late June to early September and features the best available evangelical speakers, with a social time of coffee and dessert followed by a Bible message and typically winding up with a question-and-answer period. Knox Summer Fellowship would run for 48 years, featuring such well-known speakers as James I. Packer, Donald Carson, James Boice and John Stott. By 1970, the average weekly attendance would be 517.
1965
The Queen Mother at Knox, June 1965.
(Knox Church)
Royal Visit to Knox
In June 1965, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother visits Toronto to present new colours to the Toronto Scottish Regiment, which is celebrating the 50-year jubilee of its founding. On Sunday, June 27, she attends morning worship at Knox, which is the regimental church of the Toronto Scottish. The Queen Mother has been Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment since 1938. She had presented the Regiment with new colours in 1939, and will do so again in 1974, but the 1965 trip to Canada marks the only occasion when she visits Knox.
Rev. George Lowe.
Rev. George Lowe (1914–2008)
Born near Ft. William, ON., George Lowe is raised in Northern Ontario. His association with Knox begins when he serves as secretary to Dr. T. Christie Innes during his pastorate as Senior Minister. At this time, he feels the call to ministry and enrolls at Knox College. After graduating in 1946, he serves churches in Biggar and Wilkie, SK. In 1950, he is installed as minister at Chalmers Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, ON., where he serves for fifteen years. As a result of overtures from Dr. Fitch, Rev. Lowe comes to Knox as Assistant Minister in 1965, a post he occupies until his retirement in 1989. During this time, he is a constantly welcoming presence to newcomers and students. Above all, he devotes himself to building up the missional outreach of Knox. To the Knox congregation, he is the face of Knox World Missions. In the early days of the internet, he embraces the new technology, recognizing its usefulness as a communications tool and using it to keep in touch by means of frequent letters of encouragement to workers in the field, a practice he keeps up long after his official retirement.
1967
Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899–1981)
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
To celebrate Canada’s Centennial, Knox invites the renowned Welsh evangelist D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who since 1943 has been minister at London’s Westminster Chapel, to preach at Knox during August. Over ten days, he delivers seven messages, including to a standing-room-only congregation at Summer Fellowship.
Bridlewood Presbyterian Church.
1970
The Foundation of Bridlewood Presbyterian Church
Robert McClintock, a Toronto developer, offers building sites for evangelical churches in the northeastern suburbs. Dr. Fitch proposes that a Presbyterian church be established in the Bridlewood area. The Presbytery of East Toronto is approached, the proviso being a guarantee that the new church would remain evangelical. On Oct. 3, Presbytery agrees to Mr. McClintock’s terms. Rev. A. Donald MacLeod, a future Associate Minister at Knox, is appointed organizing pastor of the new congregation. Under the terms of the agreement, the Bridlewood property will revert to Knox if the new congregation departs from evangelical principles. At first, services take place at Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute in Scarborough. In 1973, a church building is erected at 2501 Warden Ave.
Knox’s 150th
Knox celebrates its 150th anniversary. In honour of the occasion, a “150 Committee” is established to make renovation plans for the Sunday school wing. When this area is rededicated following the upgrades, the Bible school assembly room is renamed “Goforth Hall” and the lecture room becomes known as the “Winchester Room.”
1972
Dr. Fitch retires as Senior Minister. He goes on to form the Church Renewal Foundation, which mentors young pastors and assists struggling churches with their outreach and mission. He also holds mission conferences and meets with missionary workers around the world.
1974
Dr. J. Glyn Owen (1919–2017)
Rev. J. Glyn Owen, B.A., M.A., D.D.
Senior Minister, 1974–1986
Born in Woodstock, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Jonathan Glyn Owen becomes a newspaper reporter and is converted while covering an evangelical mission. Trained for the Welsh Presbyterian ministry at the University College of Wales and then at Bala Theological College, he becomes minister at Heath Presbyterian Church, Cardiff (1948–1954), then Trinity Presbyterian Church, Wrexham (1954–1959), and Berry Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast (1959–1969). In 1969, he succeeds D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as minster at Westminster Chapel. During this time he also serves as Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II. Inducted as Senior Minister at Knox in 1974, he is a powerful, eloquent preacher who particularly encourages young believers, and his ministry brings many to Christ.
1976
Knox and Evangel Hall
As the demographics of the surrounding neighbourhood change, Evangel Hall transitions from outreach to immigrants and families, shifting its focus toward emergency aid for the homeless and unemployed. The scope of its activities increases to the point that by the 1970s, it has become too large for any one church to manage effectively. Accordingly, in 1976, oversight of Evangel Hall is transferred to a Board of Directors under the auspices of the Presbytery of East Toronto. Although Knox relinquishes direct governance of EHM, it continues to provide significant financial support.
1978
Knox Staff, c. 1978.
BACK ROW:
Del Fowler, Church Administrator; Rev. George Lowe, Assistant Minister; A. Donald MacLeod, IVCF; Sam Breakey, Assistant Youth Director; Dr.
J. Glyn Owen, Senior Minister.
FRONT ROW:
Sam Butler, Youth Director; Pauline Esler, Deaconess.
1984
Knox Church, c. 1984.
(Toronto Public Library)
1986
Dr. Owen retires as Senior Minister due to failing eyesight.
1987
Dr. Mariano Di Gangi (1923–2008)
Rev. Mariano Di Gangi, B.A., B.D., M.Th., D.D.
Interim Minister, 1987–1989
Senior Minister, 1989–1992
Born in Brooklyn, Dr. Di Gangi earns a Bachelor of Theology from Westminster Seminary (Philadelphia) in 1946 and then undertakes postgraduate work at Presbyterian College in Montreal. For 62 years an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, he ministers at Beckwith Memorial Italian Presbyterian Church in Montreal (1946–51) and then, St. Enoch’s Church in Hamilton, ON (1951–61). The congregation of the latter church grows from 150 to over 1,100 during his time there. While in Hamilton, he commutes to Toronto one day per week to serve as the unpaid Secretary of the newly-constituted P.C.C. Board of Evangelism and Social Action. Returning to Philadelphia, he pastors at the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church from 1961 to 1967. While there, he preaches against racial discrimination, opens the Session and other church leadership bodies to African-Americans — causing a breach in the congregation — and serves on the Mayor’s Race Relations Committee. Back in Canada from 1967 on, he becomes General Director of the Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowship — later Interserve — a post he holds for 20 years. From 1969–71, he is President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, serves as Chair of the Canadian Lausanne Committee, and, in 1975, becomes Professor of Pastoral Studies at Tyndale Theological Seminary, retiring as Professor Emeritus. He is a speaker at Urbana ’84 and preaches at numerous conferences and evangelical meetings in Canada, the U.S. and Italy. He is also a prolific author. Coming out of retirement in 1987, he undertakes pulpit supply as Interim Minister at Knox over a two-year period at a time when the congregation is unable to agree on a candidate for Senior Minister after the retirement of Dr. Owen.
1989
At the age of 66, Dr. Di Gangi is persuaded to postpone retirement and accepts a call as Senior Minister of Knox, ending a three-year vacancy. He is inducted on April 19, 1989.
1990
Recent research reveals that several members of William Lyon Mackenzie’s family, including his wife Isabel, three of their children, his mother, his mother-in-law, his wife’s brother and his wife’s brother’s daughter were all buried in the Duchess Street Burial Ground once owned by Knox Church. On July 21, a commemorative plaque is unveiled at Lot L 106 of the Toronto Necropolis, where the remains were re-interred, by Norman H. McMurrich, Chairman of the Toronto Trust Cemeteries and Jack Layton, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 6.
1992
Due to health concerns, Dr. DiGangi retires as Senior Minister effective Feb. 1.
1995
Dr. John A. Vissers
Dr. John A. Vissers, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., D.Th., D.D.
Senior Minister, 1995–1999
Raised in Etobicoke, Dr. Vissers grows up in the Christian Reformed Church and then in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Graduating with a B.A. from the University of Toronto, he plants a church in North Vancouver and then returns to Toronto to earn a M.Div. from Knox College. This is followed by a M.Th. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Theology degree from Knox College. From 1990 to 1995, he serves as minister at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Vaughan and is also Professor of Systematic Theology at Ontario Theological Seminary (now Tyndale University College & Seminary). He is inducted as Senior Minister at Knox on Apr. 23, 1995, ending a three-year vacancy. He is the first Canadian-born minister in Knox’s 175-year history.
1995
Billy Graham “Mission Ontario 1995” Crusade at SkyDome Youth Night, June 7.
(Billy Graham Library)
Billy Graham in Toronto
When Billy Graham conducts a Toronto rally in 1995, nearly 800 churches from 57 denominations provide support. Knox sends a large delegation of choir members, ushers, counsellors and work team helpers. The crusade draws 261,500 attendees with Youth Night on June 7 attracting 73,500, shattering all previous SkyDome records.
Former Senior Minister Dr. Mariano Di Gangi, Dr. Leighton Ford, Senior Minister John Vissers and Minister Emeritus Dr. J. Glyn Owen celebrate the 175th. anniversary of Knox Church – November 26, 1995.
(Photo by Les Talbot)
Knox’s 175th
Knox celebrates its 175th anniversary. Special Anniversary Services are held on November 26, with Dr. Leighton Ford preaching at morning and evening worship. The commemorative cake is cut by Mary Tennant, who joined Knox in 1926 and is the member of longest standing.
1997
Bill and Vicki Wood.
KYDFB volunteers, 2017.
(Knox Church)
Out of the Cold/Knox Youth Dinner and Food Bank
In 1997, Knox is approached by Nehemiah Ministries, an offshoot of Rev. Joe Elkerton’s First Nation Gospel Assembly, about serving the area’s homeless and street-involved youth. A committee led by Dr. Ian Rennie meets with representatives of the Out of the Cold program, an outreach offering food, overnight accommodations and hospitality to the homeless and under-housed. Knox session agrees to a one-year pilot program focused on youth aged 16–25. This is only the second youth-oriented OOTC program to open in Toronto. Knox first opens its doors to OOTC guests on Dec. 9, 1997. Vicki Wood serves as program coordinator, eventually joined by her husband Bill. They will be involved in overseeing this ministry for 21 years. As first conceived, the Knox program provides accommodation one night per week. Guests receive a hot meal. Hospitality volunteers eat with them, offering company, a friendly face and a listening ear. A chaplaincy volunteer is available for any who want counselling. Afterward there are board games, music nights and other activities. Nursing care, haircuts or colouring, clothing and household items are also available. Guests spend the night on mattresses in the gym. In the morning, a hot breakfast is served, and bag lunches are provided to guests as they depart.
In 2001, the program expands to two nights per week thanks to the assistance of a volunteer team from the Royal Bank Financial Group. Four years later, a food bank is started. Because the need for overnight accommodation diminishes over time, the Knox outreach to marginalized youth evolves with changing circumstances, and in 2006 transitions into a hot meal and food bank service provided on a weekly basis. This program is still running today as the Knox Youth Dinner and Food Bank.
1999
Dr. Vissers resigns as Senior Minister in Aug. 1999 to accept a post as Principal of The Presbyterian College, Montreal. He will serve in this position until 2013. In 2012–13, he is elected Moderator of the 138th. General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. From 2013, he is a member of the Knox College faculty, and becomes the institution’s Principal in 2017.
2000
Dr. J. Kevin Livingston
Rev. J. Kevin Livingston B.A., M. Div., PhD.
Senior Minister, 2000–2009
Educated at Seattle University (B.A., 1978), Fuller Theological Seminary (M. Div, 1983) and the University of Aberdeen (Ph. D, 1989), Dr. Livingston serves as minister at First Presbyterian Church, New Westminster, B.C. and St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, ON. In April 2000, he is inducted as Senior Minister at Knox. Several key changes are implemented during Dr. Livingston’s ministry — among them the ordination of women elders, the establishment of a more informal evening worship service and the transition to term eldership.
2000
Knox ordains its first women elders.
2006
Knox implements term eldership.
2007
Knox elevator under construction.
(Photo by Les Talbot)
Knox Elevator project
In 2000, Pastor Wayne Hancock approaches the Board of Managers about the need for an elevator to make the main church building accessible for the many seniors who do volunteer work on the upper floors and find the stairs a challenge. The elevator project is approved by the congregation in the summer of 2001, and a fundraising drive begins. The elevator shaft is to be located in an unused chimney, substantially reducing the cost. Phase I involves relocating the second-floor washrooms which are in the path of the planned elevator shaft. Phase II is installation of the elevator. The final cost is $600,000, most of which is covered by congregational donations. Over 300 people pledged money. On October 21, 2007, the elevator is officially dedicated.
2008
In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood in Parliament and formally apologized to Canada's Indigenous peoples for damages caused as a result of the government's residential school policy over the preceding century.
Rev. George Vais, Moderator of the 120th. General Assembly, Presenting the Confession to Phil Fontaine, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, 1994.
(PCC Archives)
PCC-sponsored Local Leader Training Workshop at Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Cape Croker, ON., 2015.
(P.C.C Archives)
Healing and Reconciliation
The federal government forms the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to review the legacy of the residential schools and hear testimony from survivors. From 2010-2015 the PCC participates in a number of TRC national events, and endorses the 94 Calls to Action which the Commission announces in order to redress historic injustices. The reconciliation process is ongoing.
• • •
Key dates in the PCCs acknowledgment and remediation of the horrific consequences of the residential school system are as follows. More information and resources can be found online at presbyterian.ca/healing.
1960
General Assembly begins to study its history of interaction with Canada’s Indigenous peoples and to consider remedial actions to address historic injustices.
1975, 1976
Reports to the General Assembly recommend that non-Indigenous members of the PCC be informed about the residential schools legacy.
1987
A pastoral statement entitled “A New Covenant: Towards the Constitutional Recognition and Protection of Aboriginal Self-Government in Canada“ is issued. It affirms that the Church’s support for Indigenous rights arises directly from Gospel teachings.
1994
“The 1994 Confession of the Presbyterian Church in Canada Regarding Injustice Suffered by Canada’s First Nations Peoples” is adopted. It acknowledges that the Canadian Government policy was to assimilate Indigenous peoples into the dominant culture and that the PCC cooperated in it. It apologizes for the church’s involvement in the Residential Schools and acknowledges that Indigenous students were subjected to physical and sexual abuse; malnutrition and poor medical care; culturally-insensitive regulations banning Indigenous languages and spiritual practices; and medical and nutritional experiments without consent.
2003
The PCC is faced with 246 lawsuits filed by residential school survivors. A settlement agreement is reached and $2.1 million in liability is paid.
2006
The Walking Together plan to support local reconciliation initiatives is approved.
2019
The Doctrine of Discovery is repudiated, i.e. that European colonial powers had the right to appropriate territories and treat the non-Christian inhabitants as undeserving of rights.
2009
Doug Ord serving soup.
(Knox Church)
Les and Myrna Talbot hosting Soup Sunday, 2011.
Soup Sunday
In 2009, Doug Ord, a recently-retired Toronto police constable who has a passion for cooking, proposes serving a meal of homemade soup and healthy bread to the Knox congregation one Sunday per month. The goal is to promote fellowship, welcome newcomers and provide nutrition to those who lack it. Thus “Soup Sunday” is born. The program is an instant success. Meals are offered free to newcomers; all others pay a nominal fee sufficient to cover expenses. Les and Myrna Talbot help out as sous-chefs. Unfortunately, Doug is diagnosed with ALS, and Les steps in as chef when Doug is no longer able to cook. Doug goes to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve 2011, and Les takes on management of the soup ministry, recruiting a team largely composed of young men with culinary skills to help with the cooking. Sadly, Les is suddenly called away to higher service in December 2014. His wife Myrna faithfully carries on the Soup Sunday legacy, which is going strong to this day.
Dr. Kevin Livingston officially steps down as Senior Minister on December 31 in order to accept a position as Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Tyndale Seminary. He currently also serves on the Board of Governors of the Presbyterian College, Montreal, chairs the Board of Trustees of the Latin American Mission Canada, and is Pastor of Clairlea Park Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
2012
Rev. Dr. Philip F. Reinders
Rev. Dr. Philip F. Reinders, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., D.Min.
Senior Minister, 2012–2021
Dr. Reinders preaches for the call at Knox on Jan. 15, 2012. Formally inducted as Senior Minister on Jun. 24, 2012, he serves until Jan. 2021. Pastor Phil is the first Toronto-born Senior Minister of Knox, and only the second born in Canada during the church’s two hundred year history. Before coming to Knox he serves as Pastor of Nelson Avenue Community Christian Reformed Church in Burnaby, BC (1992-1997) and as Senior Pastor of River Park C.R.C. in Calgary, AB (1997-2010). During Pastor Phil’s leadership, Knox renews its vision for ministry, growing to be a church in the city and for the city. Knox also renews its worship ministry, expands evangelistically through the Alpha program, develops the Missions Hub and a strategy for mission and mission partnerships, and engages in a long-overdue facility renewal process, including a renovation of the Sanctuary and development plans for the renewal of the entire Knox site. At the end of Pastor Phil’s ministry the COVID-19 pandemic hits, forcing Knox to move worship to new digital formats, and leading to a re-organization of the Knox community into seven geographically-based, Elder-led “Knox Villages” throughout the GTA.
2015
Student prayer time in the Missions Hub, 2017. (Knox Church)
Missions Hub meeting, 2019.
(Knox Church)
International Student Outreach in collaboration with Power to Change, 2017.
(Knox Church)
The Missions Hub
In February 2015, the Missions Hub opens in renovated office space on the third floor of the Sunday School wing. The intention is to provide low-cost office space for individuals and organizations involved in missions who would not otherwise be able to afford adequate accommodation in central Toronto. A shared workspace encourages collaboration amongst missions organizations, churches and campus groups – workers can exchange ideas, pray, learn, and support one another. The Missions Hub is originally envisaged as a one-year pilot project, but proves so successful that it has continued to the present day. There are two staff members, a Director and a Mobilization Coordinator, who connects with students, campus groups and others who are exploring global mission opportunities.
Missions organizations currently involved in the Missions Hub are as follows:
Avant Ministries, Knox World Mission, OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship), TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission), and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
The Missions Hub has assisted more than 30 missions agencies, churches and campus groups, and over 100 Christian workers have been associated with the Missions Hub in various ways.
2016
Strategic Ministry Planning
In conjunction with plans for site and facility renewal, Knox embarks spiritual renewal, in the form of a multi-year strategic ministry plan. Highlights include:
The launch of an Alpha Course
A summer learning series
A discipleship process emphasizing Home Church small groups and Formation Days (day-long Saturday gatherings featuring learning and discipleship workshops)
An enhanced welcome and worship experience (greeting teams, portable outdoor signage, welcoming spaces at our main entrances)
Family Ministries (counseling support for pre-marital preparation, a marriage course, an improved Children’s Ministries digital curriculum).
Duchess Street Burial Ground Excavations
Excavations at 41 Britain St., the site of the old Duchess Street Burial Ground, uncover four sets of human remains, three adults and one child. Pastor Phil Reinders is contacted by the authorities regarding these remains because Knox Church traces its ancestry back to the First Presbyterian Church of York, which had taken charge of the cemetery back in the 1820’s. Rev. Reinders is asked whether he wishes to take possession of the remains, but declines the honour. He is present on July 28 to offer a prayer of blessing as the remains are disinterred. When they are reburied at the Toronto Necropolis on Sept. 15, Rev. Reinders presides pastorally over the reinterment.
2017–18
BEFORE:
Knox Sanctuary, 2016. (Photo by Greg Summers)
AFTER:
Knox Sanctuary, 2020. (Photo by Greg Summers)
DURING:
Knox Sanctuary under construction, 2017–2018. (Photos by Don Nicol)
Facilities Renewal
In 2013-2014 the 21–year lease on land at Queen and Bay Sts., originally deeded by Jesse Ketchum to our predecessor congregation, and now occupied by the Hudson’s Bay store, is renegotiated. The result almost doubles the annual rent which we receive from this property. A major portion of this enhanced income is allocated by church leadership to renovation, restoration and redevelopment of our Spadina Ave. site. By this point, due to many years of deferred maintenance of our church property, a $14 million maintenance deficit has accumulated. In 2017 the congregation approves a comprehensive site/facilities renewal program including repairs to the foundations under the east side of the Sanctuary, rebuilding of the front steps leading to the Sanctuary entrance, and renovation/restoration of the Sanctuary itself.
The Sanctuary is closed down in April 2017 and reopens for worship in February 2018 once reconstruction is complete. Renovations include:
Reconfiguration of the front of the Sanctuary to provide a flexible, multi-purpose worship space
Enhanced lighting and AV capacity
Stained glass window repairs (disassembly, restoration and reinstallation of east window; cleaning and illumination of the windows depicting the Prophets in the apse)
Accessibility improvements
Electrical upgrades
Restoration of historic architectural features (plaster repairs, repainting)
New carpeting
New flooring in the narthex
While the Sanctuary is closed the congregation worships in the Knox gym (Gordon Hall). Total cost of repairs/renovations to the foundations, front steps and Sanctuary come to nearly $3 million. To cover a $200,000 budgetary shortfall, a “Ready For More” fundraising campaign launches in September 2017. By its close in April 2018 over 94% of the required total has been generated.
2019
Knox adopts a new Constitution for only the third time in our 200-year history. Previous Constitutions were adopted in 1822 and 1857.
2020
Knox’s 200th Anniversary
In 2020, Knox celebrates its 200th. anniversary. As we commence our third century of following Jesus, loving the city and serving the world, a variety of special commemorative events have been planned, including a Homecoming Gala and Dinner, a special short-term mission trip, a revived Summer Fellowship speaking series, participation in Doors Open Toronto, a Faith+Practice Conference, and much else. Most of these events have had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 emergency, but we are still celebrating God’s faithfulness during our bicentennial year of 2020.
COVID-19
In response to the intensifying COVID-19 pandemic, Sunday services and weekly ministries are put on hold at Knox out of respect for public health authorities’ recommendations for social-distancing measures. The church buildings are closed to outside users. From March 22 onward, Sunday worship services are held exclusively via digital livestreams, with additional resources available through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
ROW 1, FROM LEFT: Rev. Phil Reinders, Rev. Nick Renaud, Pr. Nestor Abdon, Ann Chow
ROW 2, FROM LEFT: “Christ is Risen” social-distancing version by Knox Easter Choir, “Glorious Day” performed by Knox Youth Band and camp staff, Anti-Racism Panel Discussion, Worship and Prayer with Pr. Kristen and Fran, Pr. Jason Normore
ROW 3, FROM LEFT: Natasha Chandler, Hallelujah! Palm Sunday Service, Easter 2020, Tribute to Essential Workers
Next Chapter
Member Directories Archive