Yesterday I walked through the wooden doors of Mimico Baptist Church, one of the many historic buildings participating in Doors Open Toronto. This year’s Doors Open theme featured older buildings “that have been redesigned, re-invented and re-purposed into modern 21st century spaces that host collaborative teams of imaginative people who are creating new ways of thinking, making and doing.” Pastor Jim Sanderson, who has been the church pastor for 20 years, explained some of the history of the building to me. It was built very quickly- the cornerstone was laid October 15, 1922, and on March 11, 1923 the first service was held.
What a lovely church, in such a pretty, leafy neighbourhood. I was struck by the simple and beautiful altar, behind which the full-immersion baptism ceremonies are held.
Mimico Baptist Church is home to a diverse and welcoming congregation, with a children’s choir, a library and a Mandarin Bible Study held every Friday evening. 80 Hillside Avenue, Etobicoke, Toronto.
3 responses to “Doors Open Toronto: Mimico Baptist Church”
My family were members of Mimico Baptist from 1926 to 1960. My mother and my 7 siblings and I attended and participated in all aspects of the church life. I was born in 1937 and was the last person in our family to be a member having moved with my wife and family to Scarborough and Ferndale Baptist Church in 1960. I married the daughter of one of the ministers, Rev. Walter Loader, in 1958 in the church. I have nothing but wonderful memories of all of the other members and adherents from my years there. Thank you for the review above. The sanctuary, as you indicated, has changed drastically since those early years.
Paul thank you so much for sharing this!
Paul, I remember you and your family. I moved away to London a few years after you left. I do not remember your mother’s name though.