The first services in the new church were held Easter day, April 1st, 1923. There were five services: 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Total attendance was 2,338 and there were 630 communicants. The service of dedication was held on Friday, April 27th.

The Great Depression - The War

The 1930s brought the economic problems that followed the stock market crash of 1929. This presented a real problem because the parish was determined to pay off all debts incurred in the building of the new church. This was accomplished in the 1940s and the church was consecrated by the Most Rev. Derwyn T. Owen, Primate of Canada, on January 18, 1944.

Canada was again plunged into war. Men and women of the parish served in all branches of the armed services and many died. During the war years, Christ Church Deer Park was the centre for the Deer Park Women's Patriotic League. Approximately 110 boys of the 10th Scout Troop collected 510,000 pounds of salvage for the war effort, the best effort of any scout troop in Canada. They eventually raised enough money to buy an ambulance for the Air Force.

The Tracker Organ

Our 3 manual tracker Karl Wilhelm organ was installed in the chancel of the church in the spring of 1982 and dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of those who died in World Wars I and II. Installation required considerable change in the chancel, including moving the altar forward and arranging the choir seating to either side. It also prompted the design and production of our award-winning Benedicite kneelers, needlepointed by a dedicated group of church members. For details about the organ, click here.

Renovation

In the 1990s, it became apparent that the parish halls and office areas were in need of serious attention. A major overhaul was considered and approved by Vestry, architects appointed and plans approved.

The old parish hall had featured a stage and balcony which had seen many productions of plays, revues and presentations put on by parishioners over the years. It also had served as a playing court for a badminton club. All this gave way to a large, bright, open space more suitable for receptions and large gatherings with a fully appointed serving kitchen attached.

The lower hall and adjoining kitchen were upgraded, the hallway widened to allow an unobstructed view to the far end of the building and choir rooms, children's chapel and small meeting rooms redone.

The main floor entrance and lobby were redesigned and offices relocated to be adjacent to the entrance. Ramps and an elevator were installed to allow access to all parts of the building and new washrooms were conveniently installed throughout.

It was a massive undertaking, taken in stride by a vibrant and forward looking parish.

Bibliography

• By Grace Co-Workers, (Building the Anglican diocese of Toronto, 1780-1989) Alan L. Hayes, editor; 1989
• 150 Years at St. John’s, York Mills, M. Audrey Graham; 1966
• The History of Grace Church on the Hill; 1964
• Toronto, Old and New, G. Mercer Adam; 1891
• Crockford’s Directories
• Canadian Men and Women of the Times; 1898
• The Estates of Old Toronto, Liz Lundell; 1997
• How it all Began, The Story of Christ Church Deer Park, by Archdeacon Ernest Hobson, from which much of this history is taken, is available through the church office. For an online copy (238k PDF) click here.