In the 1950's, Etobicoke was growing rapidly, and the Church Extension Board of the Diocese had been acquiring land for church sites in the expanding Diocese of Toronto. One of these was located on Rathburn Road, just west of Highway #427. It was not until the late 50's that subdivisions of homes were developed; and in 1959, The Rev. David McGuire was transferred from Haliburton as the rector to begin a new parish. Notices of the first service were posted on the telephone poles in the area. A rectory had been purchased at 19 Tunbridge Cres., Just north of Burnhamthorpe Road.

First Rectory

1959 First service was held in a portable church on May 10. A vestry was quickly formed with Bill Pudney and Les Clark named as the first two wardens. Bishop Wilkinson recommended the parish be called The Church of Christ the King; and this was approved in vestry. Average attendance was 71 at morning services and 33 at evening services, and during the first year there were 55 baptisms. Sunday School was started in the portable, Briarcrest School and private recreation rooms.

1961 Sod was turned for a permanent Church on May 14th--the first service was held in the completed building at Christmas.

1963 Youth Activities grew with the start of a Junior Auxiliary Program, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and an active group of 120 young people attending Sunday evening worships services followed by socials.

1964 Phase II of the Church building began, adding the west wing, the current Chancel and Room 2 underneath.

1965 704 families and singles were on the parish roll, totaling nearly 2800 people. Confirmation class had 55 candidates. Church School attendance increased with a record number of 402 children on October 31st. Some classes were later held in Church of the Nativity school, our neighbour across the street.

1966 Sunrise Services on Centennial Hill were started by the Church of Christ the King.

1969 Rev. McGuire left to go to St. Mary's, Richmond Hill. Rev. Ron Davidson was inducted as new rector on December 4th.

1970 By this time, over 40 different groups, both church and community used our buildings on a weekly basis. A new rectory was built on church property, 110 Carsbrooke.

New Rectory

1973 Memorial rose garden was developed. Steve Bell and family undertook the care of it . Small parkette came into being with the Borough of Etobicoke maintaining it for the use of the community.

1974 Rev. Ron Davidson left to accept an appointment as Rector of Christ Church Deer Park. Rev. Ross Woolley took up duties as our new rector.

1979 20th Anniversary Year was celebrated. New pews were installed, the cost being covered by special offerings. A program sponsoring a family of "boat people" was completed. The mortgage was discharged.

1990 Rev. Ross Woolley retired and Assistant Rev Jim Townley-Smith 'was appointed priest in charge' while the search for a new incumbent was underway.

1991 The Rev. John Phillips came to us as our new incumbent, with his wife FloraJean, daughter Jennifer and son John William. Revamping of the Narthex ramp made accessibility easier for the physically challenged. Sunday School again expanded to include a Nursery, Toddler's room, Children's Library and Sunday School Office. Activities extended to include Prayer Chain, Bible Study groups, Gospel Choir for special services, Pre-marriage courses, Visitation Committee, Worship Committee and many others. With monies left to the Sunday School, in memory of Granny Stewart, Marne and Jack Huys purchased figures for an outdoor Creche which was built by Fred Clements.

 

Over the years, many have contributed to the Church in many functions including:

Theology students as assistants to the clergy. Devoted and hardworking parishioners as Wardens. Members of the Parish on the Advisory Board, Chancel Guild, Choir, Friday Night Club and the A.C.W. All those who helped on a day to day basis continue to serve our Church.

2007 Phase One renovations were started.

In the spring, renovations to the Narthex doors were done. The old wooden doors were removed and new glass doors were installed. They were moved out about 3 feet. The new doors were each 36” wide instead of the old 30” doors. Access was greatly improved and the Narthex was much brighter.

The Narthex revisions were in memory of Anne Penny.

In mid summer, work was started to install an elevator at the south door to provide barrier free access to all 4 levels of the church building. This required removal of the upper kitchen which was replaced by a servery in the lounge. New walkways were installed from the parking lot and from Carsbrooke. New glass doors were also installed with handicapped access to replace the old wooden doors.

Work was completed on the elevator by November and Bishop Poole attended a special church service to cut the ribbon.

Funds for the elevator project were from donations made in memory, by a substantial bequest from the estate of Margaret Morris, and from generous grants from the Diocese.


New South Doors