The Mother Church: Bloor Street Church
At the annual meeting of Bloor Street Presbyterian Church Mr. S. T. Bastedo was Chairman and Mr. Thomas Reid Secretary. Mr. George C. Robb, Clerk of the Session, read the statement for the past year, which was very satisfactory. The nineteenth annual report of the Board of Management was p resented by Mr. Bastedo. During the past year the congregation took on themselves the purchase of a lot on Reid avenue, and the building thereon of a church. They also authorized the payment of $300 per annum for two years for its support, and the sum was donated by Mr. F. B. Allan. The congregation also advanced $2,650.12 to the Reid Avenue Church to wipe out its indebtedness. This sum, it is expected, will be repaid in due time. Mr. D. W. Christy of Knox College was appointed to take charge of the new mission. Although an analysis of the Treasurer’s statement shows a falling off this year of $367.34 in revenue, it was explained that some receipts that in former years had been included in the annual statement had not so far been received.
The Globe, January 17, 1906
Extension Is Endorsed.
Presbytery Sanctions Raising of $20,000.
…The needs of the city in regard to planting new churches and strengthening old ones, were presented to the Presbytery of Toronto at their regular monthly meeting in Knox Church yesterday by Messrs. R. S. Gourlay, President, R. Steele and John Wanless, jun., representing the Presbyterian Church Extension Union. The plan of work this year, which they outlined, involves the raising of $20,000, of which $5,000 is for the continuance of the work begun last year, and R15,000 for a special loan fund to assist congregations in extension work. the plan received the hearty endorsement of the Presbytery.
The Presbytery decided to open schools at the corner of Reid avenue and Gerrard street, Jones avenue and Danforth road, and at two points not definitely selected in the northwest part of the city.
Rev. D. C. Hossack was re-elected Moderator, and Rev. R. C. Tibb, Clerk of the Presbytery.
The Globe, February 7, 1906
Church Extension.
Presbyterians Buy Lot on Reid Avenue – Building to Begin Soon.
The site at the corner of Gerrard street and Reid avenue was brought yesterday by the Church Extension Committee of the Toronto Presbytery, as recommended at last meeting of the Presbytery. the price paid was $900, the amount being all put up by one man. The lot has a frontage of 110 feet on Gerrard street, and extends 100 feet along Reid avenue.
It was intended to locate nearer Queen street on Reid avenue, but as the Baptists have a site in that neighborhood the Presbyterians decided to leave them their field and build farther north.
Building operations will commence as soon as possible, but it is probably that as soon as the weather permits a tent will be pitched and regular services begun, under the charge of Rev. D. S. Dix, M.A., one of the newly-ordained Knox graduates, and a number of volunteer workers.
The Globe, April 12, 1906
The Presbyterian Union for Church Extension (Robert S. Gourlay, President – Feb. 1912 co-founded Toronto Housing Company) / Bloor Street Presbyterian Church “has taken steps to begin a mission Reid avenue, the lot, building, and workers also to be furnished by the congregation. A lot has been secured on the corner of Reid avenue and Gerrard street, the gift of one member of the congregation”. Toronto Star, April 14, 1906
The work of Church Extension in Toronto has always found generous support in Bloor Streeet church, but, in addition to contributing to the General Fund, it decided, in order to provide an outlet for the energy of its young people and for other reasons, to seek some needy districts, where it could nurse into strength and influence a mission of its own. Just outside the City limits such a district was found, into which people, largely of the laboring class, were moving and where they were erecting their modest homes. On April 22nd, 1906, the Mission was opened in a tent on Reid Avenue. Mr. David S. Dix, of Knox College was placed in charge, and with the help of valued workers form the parent Church, soon gathered about his the nucleus of a strong congregation. A lot was purchased on the corner of Gerrard Street and Reid Avenue by Mr. Frank B. Allan, and presented to the Congregation by him for the purposes of the Mission, and in due time a commodious white brick building was erected.
It was announced that the Reid avenue church will be opened on the 25th instant. Globe, November 7, 1906
The following graduates of Knox college of the class of 1907 were licensed: W. H. Andrews, M.A., D. W. Christie, J. W. Currie, M.A., D. S. Dix, M.A., D. C. McGregor, M.A., J. B. Pauling, B.A., J. A. Sharrard, M.A., T. M. Wesley, B.A. Mr. Sharrard is going to Indore College for three years, Mr. McGregor has been appointed assistant to Dr. R. N. Grant of Orillia, Mr. Christie has charge of the Reid Avenue Mission, and will probably be called there when they are ready to give a call. The others will be ready to preach for calls. Globe, May 29, 1907
A call from Reid Avenue Mission to Mr. D. Wallace Christy to become their pastor was accepted by Mr. Christy and sustained by Presbytery. Globe, September 4, 1907
Mr. D. Wallace Christy succeeded to the care of the young cause on the regretted withdrawal of Dr. Dix, and labored so acceptably that on his graduation from Knox College and licensure by the Presbytery of Toronto, he was called to the pastorate, and on September 17th, 1907, was ordained to the Christian ministry and inducted as the first minister of this promising congregation.
The New Church is Born: Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church
Reid Ave. Presbyterians Organizing.
The congregation of Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church, which was begun last year, under the direction of Bloor Street Church, has had a very successful growth, and will shortly be organized. This week the first four elders of the congregation were elected: Messrs. E. Linley, H. Munro, S. Manchester, and W. Reid. A very large vote was cast, showing the interest of the congregation in this forward step. A meeting will be held next Friday to call a minister. It is expected that the unanimous choice will fall upon Mr. D. Wallace Christy, who has been in charge of the work there for some months. Globe, August 23, 1907
REV. D. W. CHRISTY INDUCTED.
Ordination Service at Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Rev. D. Wallace Christy was last night ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church and inducted into the pastorate of Reid avenue congregation, in the presence of a large number of the members and adherents, as well as of Presbyterians from other churches.
The Moderator, Rev. W. M. McKay of Milton, presided. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. S. T. Martin of Streetsville, who took the place of Rev. D. M. Martin of Cannington, who had been appointed to that duty by Presbytery, but was unable through illness to attend. Mr. Martin’s discourse was based on the message to the Church at Ephesus, as found in the second chapter of the Book of Revelation.
Rev. Dr. W. G. Wallace, pastor of Bloor street church, and Rev. John McP. Scott of St. John’s Church, delivered the charge to the people and to the minister, respectively, impressing their mutual relations and duties.
Rev. Mr. Christy began work at Reid avenue last September. The cause has under his untiring care developed very satisfactorily, and gives good promise of becoming a strong church. Mr. Christy came to this country from Glasgow a few years ago, and took his theological course at Knox College, finishing last spring. The congregation will tender a reception to their new pastor to-morrow evening. Globe, September 18, 1907
DEATH OF MR. WM. REID.
Passed Away Suddenly of Attack of Heart Failure.
On Thursday at 872 Dundas street, Toronto, Mr. William Reid died suddenly of heart failure. Deceased had been in ill-health for several months, but the end came suddenly and as a great shock to the family. Mr. Reid was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and married Priscilla M., daughter of the late Lieut.-Colonel James A. Woods of the same place, and came to Canada in 1869, and few years later removing to Aurora, from which place he later came to Toronto. Mr. Reid was a member of the Mount Ararat Lodge of the Orange Order and was also an elder of the Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church. He is survived by a widow and four sons – James A, manger of the Travellers’ Printers Works, Hartford, Conn.; W. G., of the C.P.R., Toronto; Stewart W., of the Scottish Union & National Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn., and Richard J., residing at home. Two daughters, Mrs. H. C. Clendenning of “Orchard Park,” Toronto, and Miss Sara A., at home; also a niece, Miss Minnie Reid. Interment will be held in Aurora on Monday at 2 p.m., on the arrival of a special car leaving North Toronto at 12 a.m. Globe, February 1, 1908
Presbyterian Extension Union established churches in other Shacktowns including Runnymede Church, Toronto Junction, St. Dennis, etc. Also paired larger churches up with financially weak ones like Chester Presbyterian Church who needed to build larger buildings. “The Church Extension Union has during the past year completed payments on a lot for Riverdale congregation, and handed it over to them free of debt. A church has been built there, which has about eighty members.” Globe, March 26, 1908
WELCOMED PASTOR AND BRIDE.
Reception to Rev. D. Wallace Christy by His Reid Avenue Congregation
Rev. D. Wallace Christy, pastor of Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church, was heartily welcomed back by his congregation last Tuesday evening, with his bride, the marriage having taken place in Moray United Free Church, Edinburgh, on Mr. Christy’s recent visit. Mrs. S. J. Manchester, a member of the Session, was Chairman of the evening. Mr. James McKinley, elder, on behalf of the congregation, presented Mr. Christy with an address of welcome, and Mrs. Christy with kitchen furniture for the manse. Mr. and Mrs. S. Murray and Mrs. Wm. Linley, sen., on behalf of the Ladies’ Aid, presented Mrs. Christy with a handsome autograph quilt. Mrs. Christy feelingly replied, thanking the ladies for their kind welcome and for the tokens of friendship already received. Rev. D. S. Dix, M.A., a fellow-student with Mr. Christy, conveyed congratulations from the ’07 graduating class of Knox College. During the serving of tea and cake a piece of the Scottish wedding cake was given to each person present. Suitable music was rendered by the organist, Mr. George King, and Mr. J. Tweedie. Globe, July 30, 1908
THEY WANT ANNEXATION.
Reid Avenue District Would Come Into the City.
Two hundred and fifty men, representing the property-holders of the Reid avenue district, which is proposed to annex with East Toronto, met in Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church last night, under the Chairmanship of Rev. D. Wallace Christy, to discuss the matter. A voted showed that all but two men favored annexation, and that they feared their petition might get shelved with that of East Toronto. All present expressed willingness to bear the increased taxes, provided they would get the fire, light, police, water and sanitary services of which the district stands in greatest need. Globe, August 5, 1908
“There is truth and strength in Professor Kilpatrick’s words upon the work of city churches. If the churches are not to lose their hold upon the people, they must work close to the people. A fashionable church at one end of the city with a mission at the other will not suffice. It is too much like Downing Street and the Colonies. The coming church [will be open to people] every day and in every phase of their lives. It is an enormous waste of money to build a magnificent temple of religion and to keep it closed except during the holding of three or four services in the week.
Prof. Kilpatrick admires the beautiful services in St. Andrew’s Church. “I would not do so, however, if I thought it was merely intended for the upper ten. It is a beautiful service, but it must be for all the people. You that are wealthy have every opportunity to hear and to see beautiful things. It is nothing to have cultivated young ladies sing to you in your drawing rooms. See that your beautiful service is for them also who are less fortunate than you.”
This is the true spirit of Christian democracy. Beautiful things are of little value unless they beautify the lives of the whole community, and especially of those whom poverty forces to endure many things that are mean and sordid. If it is worth while building a beautiful church at all, it is worth while building it for the poor. A temple in a fashionable region and a mission shack in shacktown illustrate the wrong way.” Toronto Star, Nov. 6, 1908
Presbyterian Clergy Give Hearty and Unreserved Support to License Reduction. “We, the Presbyterian Ministers of Toronto, believing from daily observation in the pursuance of our pastoral duties, that intemperance is chief among the causes of poverty, disease, vice and crime;
Believing, too, that a reduction in the number of liquor licenses would reduce the opportunities for liquor drinking…”
They wanted a reduction of barroom licenses to 110.
Signed by a number of ministers including W. G. Wallace, minister of the mother church, Bloor Street Presbyterian Church, and D. W. Christie. Also signed by R. H. Abraham, Davenport Presbyterian Church. Globe, December 30, 1908
WOULD SOONER STEAL THAN BEG.
It is More Honorable Say Some of Unemployed.
URGE TOWNSHIP TO ACT.
Rev. Mr. Christy Speaks of The Globe’s Fund.
Men Assisted by the House of Industry Refuse to Work in Return – The Mayor Expresses Indignation at Their Conduct.
“We would sooner steal than beg, because it’s more honorable,” declared one Peter Harrison, a member of a deputation of unemployed to the York Township Council yesterday afternoon. “We want work and we don’t want to beg,” he went on. “Many of us went to see Councillor Jackson about work. He gave us what he could and then told us to get down on our knees and pray for a heavy fall of snow.”
The party was headed by Rev. D. W. Christy of Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church and comprised about twenty of these men who have built little homes for themselves in Reid avenue and vicinity. No demonstration of any kind was made or attempted. The men came in little groups of two or three and took chairs in the Council chamber to wait patiently until it was the pleasure of the Council to hear them.
Rev. Mr. Christy’s Appeal.
Rev. Mr. Christy made an earnest and touching appeal on their behalf. He said there were a great many men out of work in his district. He did not intend to retell any of the tales of hardship and suffering, as it was not a good thing to make a parade of their condition. They had come to the township as a last resort. Every other means for getting help had been tried. The city had absolutely refused to allow anyone to get help from the House of Industry who lived beyond the city limits, and the various charity organizations would not listen to them either. His manse had been flooded with men with stories of suffering, and he personally had relieved over fifty applicants for aid. Their funds could not hold out against the demand, so he appealed for aid. At a previous meeting the Reeve had promised work. He himself had gone to four men on Saturday and offered them orders on a grocery store, but they refused it because they wanted work, and not charity. He knew that some of the cases were unworthy. The Reeve had expressed an opinion reflecting somewhat upon The Globe’s fund (The Shacktown Fund) which had been collected a year ago. Every man had a right to his own opinion, of course, but he was of the opinion that The Globe fund saved the township of York many thousands of dollars. The Globe had accomplished a work which no other institution would attempt, and the work done and the benefits derived from the distribution of the money would never be forgotten.
Misrepresentation Alleged.
Taking advantage of an invitation to talk extended by the Reeve several of the deputation spoke. One man said he had come out from England to New Ontario under misrepresentation on the part of emigration officials in the old country, and he thought the Canadian Government was responsible. He had found that things were not as they had been painted, and it was an utter impossibility to make a living out of a bush farm. He came to Toronto. He had only worked six weeks since last August. Last Friday, unable to stand the sufferings of his wife and children, he put his pride in his pocket, took a hand organ and got a few pennies thereby in York. He could do without a meal himself, but he did not want his family to. He didn’t want charity if he could possibly get along without it. He was willing to do any kind of work so long as it was honest.
By way of reply, Reeve Henry said the township would do what it could in the way of giving work, but he held out no hope that everyone would be able to get it. “You men,” he said, “all came to Toronto as a centre for labor, and came out to the township to get cheap homes. You pay taxes, all right, but then those taxes don’t even pay for the schools. But we will do what we can. We are not in the same position as the city.
We have no parks or work of that sort, but we will get all the stones we can and give work wherever possible. The city has a moral responsibility for the men on its outskirts, for, practically speaking, you men are only lodgers with us and would not be there if homes were as cheap in the city.
“Then we’re practically outcasts; we don’t belong to the city or township,” said one of the party, Mr. Harrison, who had spoken before.
“Sit down,” said the Reeve.
“I won’t. I have the floor,” retorted the speaker.
“Sit down, and shut up or get out,” said the Reeve shortly, and the speaker sat down.
After the deputation had departed Clerk Clark read a letter from Mr. Archibald MacMurchy, the Honorary Secretary of the House of Industry, thanking the Council for provisions already provided for needy ones and wishing to impart the information that the assistance given was more liberal than the township had been given credit for. Globe, January 19, 1909
Rev. W. H. Porter was appointed pastor of the Reid Avenue Church, Toronto, which is under the Mission Board. Globe, July 10, 1909
Under his [David Wallace Christie’s] energetic leadership the work has fulfilled the promise of its earlier days; in the Sabbath School and Men’s Club and Mothers Meeting and indeed in all departments the first enthusiasm has not waned, but rather increased. The Church has become in several regards the centre of the growing community, and the numbers have so multiplied, that already more accommodation is required. A large addition to the Church building has just been erected; the material for this has cost some $1,800 or 42,000, which is being raised from friends throughout the City, the actual work of the new structure having been undertaken and completed by the men of the Reid Avenue Congregation.
Bloor Street Church initiated this cause and has nursed it and until now it may be expected to stand alone and to contribute in turn to some needier cause. The Reid Avenue Sabbath School now numbers 260, and the Communion Roll, 250. A Short Historical Sketch of the Bloor Street Presbyterian Church Toronto. Prepared by the Committee of Session. November, 1909.
SANTA CLAUS SUPERINTENDENTS AND DISTRICTS
The list of District Superintendents follows. Names of poor children should be sent to these district heads, not to The Star, as no names are accepted without their recommendation:
District 1. Ward Seven. Superintendent Rev. Beverley Smith. Address 289 Annette street. Phone Junction 629.
District 2. Earlscourt, between G.T.R. and Lakeview avenue, north of Davenport road. Superintendent Rev. P. P. Bryce. Address 26 Nairn avenue. Phone Junction 1311.
District 3. Bounded by Bloor street, Davenport road, Ward Seven, and Avenue road. Superintendent Rev. F. J. Maxwell. Address 1026 Dovercourt road. Phone Junction 1308.
District 4. Bounded by Bloor, College, and St. George streets, and Ward Seven. Superintendent Rev. Father Minehan. Address 572 Bloor street west. Phone College 3525.
District 5. Bounded by College and Shaw streets, and G.T.R. Superintendent Rev. H. A. Macpherson. address 154 Rusholme road. Phone Park 1713.
District 6. Wychwood, Lakeview avenue to Spadina, north of Davenport road. Superintendent Rev. W. J. Brain. Address 6 Markham street, Wychwood. Phone Hillcrest 2769.
District 7. Between Spadina avenue and Shaw street, south of College street. Superintendent Rev. J. D. Morrow. Address 939 Bathurst street. Phone Hillcrest 1817.
District 8. Between Spadina avenue and Yonge street, south of College street. Superintendent Miss H. D. McCallum. Address 129 Pembroke street. Phone Main 3998.
District 9. Between Yonge and Sherbourne streets. Superintendent Miss S. M. Whitworth. Address avenue road and St. Clair avenue. Phone North 5654.
District 10. between Sherbourne street and the Don River. Superintendent Rev. Canon H. C. Dixon. Address 417 King street east. Phone Main 6630.
District 11. North of Gerrard street, east of the Don, to the old city limits. Superintendent Rev. Judson McIntosh. Address 13 Fenwick avenue.
District 12. South of Gerrard, east of the Don. Superintendent Rev. D. W. Christie. Address 17 Morley avenue. Phone Beach 483.
District 13. East Toronto. Superintendent J. W. Brandon, Esq. Address Coleman P.O. Phone Beach 311.
District 14. Between Yonge street and Avenue road, north of College street. Superintendent Captain Mitchell. Address 28 Davenport road.
Toronto Star, Nov. 18, 1912
1917 The Women’s Missionary Society at Rhodes Avenue Presbyterian Church was very active in supporting both home and foreign missions. The President was Mrs. Crone. The Minister was H. A. Berlis. The membership was about 700, of which 300 or more where overseas. The Church was actively promoting gardening to increase food production. W. Allen did “an illustrated lecture” on the subject.
On January 22, 1918, David Wallace Christie enlisted in the Canadian army.
Non-concurring embers of the Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church initially met in the Classic Theatre. Toronto Star, January 21, 1925
The “Continuing Presbyterians” of Rhodes Avenue Church passed a resolution to unite with the Continuing Presbyterian Church “under whatever name it is known after June 10.” They were still meeting in the Classic Theatre on Sunday and held a prayer meeting in a home on Wednesdays. Globe, February 2, 1925
RHODES AVENUE UNITED 31ST ANNIVERSARY.
The congregation of Rhodes Avenue United Church will tomorrow celebrate the thirty-first anniversary of the beginning of work in the Reid Avenue Presbyterian Church. Rev. D. Wallace Christie, B.A., B.D., who is in his second pastorate in the charge, was the first minister, and came to establish the cause under the jurisdiction of the Bloor Street Presbyterian Church in 1906, when the district of Gerrard and Rhodes avenue was undergoing a rapid change from pasture land to a busy settlement. From the inception of the work the growth in interest and numbers has steadily increased. In 1925 the congregation voted to join the union, and has since been known as Rhodes Avenue United Church. The first building, which faced on Rhodes Avenue, has been turned about, facing Gerrard Street, and a fine, new brick structure now serves the congregation. In celebration of the anniversary two guest preachers will occupy the pulpit on Sunday. Rev. A. S. Orion, M.A., S.T.M., D.D., recently appointed to Emmanuel College staff, will preach at 11 o’clock, and at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. R. B. Cochrane, Secretary of the Board of home Missions for the United Church of Canada, will preach. Anniversary and St. Andrew’s supper will be held on Monday evening, when the Rev. Dr. G. A. Dickson, minister of Metropolitan Church, will give the address.
Globe and Mail, November 17, 1937
The Midway Historical Society of Toronto 