SAVE ST. PETER'S CHURCH TORONTO
Please note, any financial contributions you make through this site do NOT go to the church - it goes directly to the ipetitions company!
We need your help to save the beautiful green-roofed architectural gem on the corner of Roehampton and Eglinton in mid-town Toronto.
Background
St. Peter’s has great significance architecturally and historically for Toronto and Canada. It was the first modernist church in the city of Toronto. The church is an exquisite building that showcases the struggles and triumphs of the Estonian People and their hopes and dreams of a new life in Canada. It has been a central hub for the Estonian and surrounding community, supporting not only religious services, but also scouting, children’s daycare, clubs, choirs, etc. It is a symbol for freedom and democracy; a reminder of the European influence and legacy in the city of Toronto. It is a wonder for Estonians living in exile as it was headed by an Estonian minister, designed by a world class Estonian architect, funded and built by Estonian war refugees.
St. Peter’s was completed in 1955. It was designed in the modern sacral style of the day. The sanctuary’s interior, reminiscent of an overturned boat, symbolizes the refugees’ boat reaching safe harbour. The famous architect, Mihkel (Michael) Bach, endeavoured to create a style that reflected the pioneering spirit of the people. He said “no stereotyped style could reflect the forward-looking spirit of the congregation, whose struggle for freedom brought them to a new homeland from the political strife which was once their home. It was this freedom sought for, and this break from tradition on the part of the congregation, which led to the progressive design, and hence, some credit for the design must be given to the people for whom the church is built.” The interior of this church has been praised for its exceptional design by architectural historians from around the world. The interior layout differs from Canadian architecture of this time and was greatly influenced by Bach´s education and work experience in Estonia and in Sweden.
The church construction was so noteworthy that Toronto mayor Nathan Philips was present at its commemoration (1955). Every architect and engineer in Toronto was aware of, and followed its construction, as the architecture included completely new design elements and construction techniques. Bach played an influential role in developing a new generation of Canadian architects at the University of Toronto where he was a popular professor.
The beautiful stained-glass windows in the church were designed by Ernestine Tahedl who designed them as a celebration of Estonian heritage.
In the courtyard of the church there is a columbarium with niches into which are interned the cremated remains of more than 300 individuals. This is the resting place that many founding church members, war veterans, and community leaders chose for themselves.
An application for heritage designation has been submitted to the City of Toronto and we need your support. Please sign to indicate that you support the Heritage Designation so that the building will be protected and will continue to serve its community.
Updates
March 31, 2022
I never imagined so many people cared about the history of St. Peter's as much as I do. Reading the personal stories you have shared in the comments reminds me that this building is far more than just bricks and mortar. Thank you for making me realize that this is a community effort rather than a solo endeavor.
March 31, 2022
I am honestly overwhelmed by the way so many people have stepped up to protect this building. It is truly humbling to see that this history matters to you as much as it does to me because this momentum belongs entirely to those of you who chose to pay attention.
Reached 100 supporters
March 31, 2022
63 Comments
Estonian immigrants, who arrived with nothing, worked hard to donate towards the building of this church, one dollar at a time. It is by now a famous landmark proudly standing to serve many generations to come. I strongly support the wish of the Estonian community to award this unique building a Heritage Designation.
Estonian immigrants have brought much to Canada. Russia once tried to destroy Estonia. Please keep our memory alive in Canada.
I've been in this church for several Estonian services, music and my mother's Celebration of Life service during Covid. This church is beautiful in it's own modern style and the acoustics are very good. This is a modern, sacred architectural gem in mid town Toronto - please save this one! It's deserves a place in Toronto's history.
Is the Architectural Conservancy of Toronto involved in your efforts? If not, contact them and or Natalie Bull at the National Trust for Canada. They can provide guidance and sometime money to help save important buildings.
Please save this church. In Palm Springs, California, an entire Modernism Festival celebrates this style of architecture. Here we want to allow a worthless developer to destroy it ??!? Please not.
Preserving Estonian culture is important to me. Both my parents were born in Estonia!!
A beautiful piece of architecture which needs to be saved!
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SAVE ST. PETER'S CHURCH TORONTO
Please note, any financial contributions you make through this site do NOT go to the church - it goes directly to the ipetitions company!
We need your help to save the beautiful green-roofed architectural gem on the corner of Roehampton and Eglinton in mid-town Toronto.
Background
St. Peter’s has great significance architecturally and historically for Toronto and Canada. It was the first modernist church in the city of Toronto. The church is an exquisite building that showcases the struggles and triumphs of the Estonian People and their hopes and dreams of a new life in Canada. It has been a central hub for the Estonian and surrounding community, supporting not only religious services, but also scouting, children’s daycare, clubs, choirs, etc. It is a symbol for freedom and democracy; a reminder of the European influence and legacy in the city of Toronto. It is a wonder for Estonians living in exile as it was headed by an Estonian minister, designed by a world class Estonian architect, funded and built by Estonian war refugees.
St. Peter’s was completed in 1955. It was designed in the modern sacral style of the day. The sanctuary’s interior, reminiscent of an overturned boat, symbolizes the refugees’ boat reaching safe harbour. The famous architect, Mihkel (Michael) Bach, endeavoured to create a style that reflected the pioneering spirit of the people. He said “no stereotyped style could reflect the forward-looking spirit of the congregation, whose struggle for freedom brought them to a new homeland from the political strife which was once their home. It was this freedom sought for, and this break from tradition on the part of the congregation, which led to the progressive design, and hence, some credit for the design must be given to the people for whom the church is built.” The interior of this church has been praised for its exceptional design by architectural historians from around the world. The interior layout differs from Canadian architecture of this time and was greatly influenced by Bach´s education and work experience in Estonia and in Sweden.
The church construction was so noteworthy that Toronto mayor Nathan Philips was present at its commemoration (1955). Every architect and engineer in Toronto was aware of, and followed its construction, as the architecture included completely new design elements and construction techniques. Bach played an influential role in developing a new generation of Canadian architects at the University of Toronto where he was a popular professor.
The beautiful stained-glass windows in the church were designed by Ernestine Tahedl who designed them as a celebration of Estonian heritage.
In the courtyard of the church there is a columbarium with niches into which are interned the cremated remains of more than 300 individuals. This is the resting place that many founding church members, war veterans, and community leaders chose for themselves.
An application for heritage designation has been submitted to the City of Toronto and we need your support. Please sign to indicate that you support the Heritage Designation so that the building will be protected and will continue to serve its community.
Updates
March 31, 2022
I never imagined so many people cared about the history of St. Peter's as much as I do. Reading the personal stories you have shared in the comments reminds me that this building is far more than just bricks and mortar. Thank you for making me realize that this is a community effort rather than a solo endeavor.
March 31, 2022
I am honestly overwhelmed by the way so many people have stepped up to protect this building. It is truly humbling to see that this history matters to you as much as it does to me because this momentum belongs entirely to those of you who chose to pay attention.
Reached 100 supporters
March 31, 2022
63 Comments
Most of us were baptized here, confirmation classes, got married here, and said final goodbyes to loved ones. DO NOT TEAR DOWN OUR CHURCH
Estonian immigrants, who arrived with nothing, worked hard to donate towards the building of this church, one dollar at a time. It is by now a famous landmark proudly standing to serve many generations to come. I strongly support the wish of the Estonian community to award this unique building a Heritage Designation.
Estonian immigrants have brought much to Canada. Russia once tried to destroy Estonia. Please keep our memory alive in Canada.
I've been in this church for several Estonian services, music and my mother's Celebration of Life service during Covid. This church is beautiful in it's own modern style and the acoustics are very good. This is a modern, sacred architectural gem in mid town Toronto - please save this one! It's deserves a place in Toronto's history.
Is the Architectural Conservancy of Toronto involved in your efforts? If not, contact them and or Natalie Bull at the National Trust for Canada. They can provide guidance and sometime money to help save important buildings.
Please save this church. In Palm Springs, California, an entire Modernism Festival celebrates this style of architecture. Here we want to allow a worthless developer to destroy it ??!? Please not.
Preserving Estonian culture is important to me. Both my parents were born in Estonia!!
A beautiful piece of architecture which needs to be saved!
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Most of us were baptized here, confirmation classes, got married here, and said final goodbyes to loved ones. DO NOT TEAR DOWN OUR CHURCH