Royal York Road United Church

Historically our church began in 1889 when William Tomlinson provided a small meeting house on his property on what is now Prince Edward Drive and members of the Plymouth Brethren conducted services.  Tomlinson Church subsequently joined with a group of Methodist churches and ministers from there preached occasionally.  Tomlinson Methodist became Tomlinson United at the time of Church Union in 1925.   

In 1943 it was resolved that the building (now fondly called "the little white church") be moved to property purchased by the United Church's Home Mission Council on the northeast corner of Royal York Road and Glenroy Avenue.  Opening services were held October 24, 1943 when the Tomlinson congregation joined with new members to form Royal York United Church.  The charter membership was 175.  The choir donated a Wurlitzer organ that was later used in the new church building.   

The Toronto Home Missions Council gave Royal York $25,000 in 1948 to start its building program.  The first phase of the two-part building program began with the sod turning ceremony for the church basement.  Dedication services were held April 3, 1949.  In 1953 members agreed to proceed with the building of the church superstructure at a cost of $108,845.  The cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1953 and the new sanctuary was dedicated on March 24, 1954.   

By the end of 1955, membership was 1,223 and there were 849 Sunday School pupils.  Each Sunday there were two morning services and an evening service.  Sunday School classes were held in the little white church and in the nearby homes of church members.  The first of what would be many student ministers completed her internship with us.   

Plans for the Christian Education Wing were developed a year later.  The white frame church was demolished and the cornerstone for the new Christian Education wing was laid in April 1958.  The next month the building was opened and dedicated.  On November 8 that year, the new Casavant pipe organ was dedicated.  It is still making beautiful music today.     

Church membership grew significantly in 1970 when Royal York United and Queensway United officially amalgamated following discussions which had begun in 1968.  The church's name changed to Royal York Road United.  Queensway Hall was named to honour Queensway United Church.  The former Queensway building was leased for 20 years at $1 per year to the Stothers Centre for Children and Families.  In 1990, the property was sold to the Jain Society.   

In 1986 the ladies' parlour was named The Ennals Room in recognition of the ministry of Dr. Bernard Ennals and his wife Ruth.  On his retirement as church officer and to recognize the years of service given by both Des and Ruth Burke, the choir room was named The Burke Choir Room.  As a point of interest, Des and Ruth were the first couple married in Royal York United. To recognize Ken Ward’s long time service as treasurer Room 312 was designated The Ward Room.  

The community enjoys the automated chime system which was restored in 1988.  In addition to being played Sunday mornings and on special occasions, the chimes ring daily at 12 noon and 4:45 p.m.  

Construction of the Disabled Access Lift began in 1990 and efforts were made to make the church fully accessible.    

During the 1990s and into the new millennium, Royal York Road was devoted to community activities.  As a founding partner in the Stonegate Community Ecumenical Ministry, the congregation helped lead the way for creation of a clothing store, a medical centre, a farmers' market, and a food bank.

In the early years of this century a major fundraising campaign permitted many major changes to be made to the church. Renovations to the building included building an apron in the sanctuary in front of the chancel to allow singers and players – musical or theatrical – a raised platform to perform. The inside of the building was painted, new carpet was laid, kitchens were updated and washrooms were built for use by those in wheelchairs. Other achievements were improving sound and sight lines in the sanctuary and generally modernizing the appearance of this house of worship to maintain the beauty of building. In addition, we created new garden beds and lawns to complement the building. We’re proud to have been nominated twice for City of Toronto “Best Gardens” awards.