Historic fire at Toronto’s St. Anne’s Anglican Church destroys unique Group of Seven artwork, causes major damage.
Major Blaze at St. Anne’s Anglican Church
- Incident Overview: A significant fire broke out early Sunday morning at St. Anne’s Anglican Church on Gladstone Avenue, Toronto, just north of Dundas Street West.
- Response Time: Emergency crews were dispatched shortly before 8 a.m.
- Fire Intensity: The blaze escalated into a four-alarm fire, causing extensive structural damage and destroying much of the church’s roof.
- Casualties: No injuries were reported.
Loss of Historic Artwork
- Unique Heritage: St. Anne’s Anglican Church was home to the only known piece of religious artwork by the Group of Seven.
- Artistic Significance: The church’s interior design was commissioned by J.E.H MacDonald, a member of the Group of Seven, who collaborated with other artists like Fred Varley and Frank Carmichael.
- Irreplaceable Loss: Father Don Beyers confirmed that the artwork appears to be destroyed, marking a significant cultural loss.
Community Impact
- Historical Background: Built between 1907 and 1908, St. Anne’s replaced the original 1862 structure. The church was designated a heritage easement by the City of Toronto and a National Historic Site by the Canadian government in 1996.
- Role in Community: St. Anne’s served as a vital resource, hosting music and arts programs, Sunday services, community dinners, and weddings.
- Community Reaction: Father Beyers and Davenport Coun. Alejandra Bravo highlighted the church’s irreplaceable role in providing support and unity to the local and broader community.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
- Ongoing Efforts: Fire crews are focusing on extinguishing the remaining fire and hotspots to prevent further spread.
- Investigation Status: Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop stated that it’s too early to determine the cause of the fire, and a systematic investigation will follow.
Statements from Officials
- Father Don Beyers: Expressed deep sorrow over the devastating impact on the congregation and the community.
- Coun. Alejandra Bravo: Emphasized the cultural and emotional significance of the loss, noting the profound grief expressed by the community.
Traffic and Safety Advisories
- Road Closures: Gladstone Avenue is closed between College and Dundas streets while fire crews continue their work.
- Public Advisory: Police have advised the public to expect delays in the area and to use alternative routes.
Conclusion
The fire at St. Anne’s Anglican Church is a tragic event with far-reaching impacts, not only for the local community but also for Canada’s cultural heritage. The loss of the historic artwork and the damage to a significant historical site underscores the irreplaceable nature of such cultural treasures. The community now faces the challenge of coping with this loss and finding ways to preserve and honor the memory of the church’s contributions.