Our History
A Brief Look At Over 120 Years of Testimony
Brotherson's Hall above the wagon and harness shop on Danforth Ave. west of Dawes Rd where the assembly commenced in 1899. Photo taken in 1900.
Taken from the Toronto Public Library Archives
Companies of believers gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ have been meeting in Toronto from the early 1870s. The first recorded assembly according to New Testament principles as we would believe, gathered at a hall on Elizabeth Street. Through the nineteenth-century testimony works were begun, and by the end of the century, three assemblies were operating in Toronto, namely Central Gospel Hall (on Charles Street East), Brock Avenue Gospel Hall (west end Christians), and the East End (now Broadview) Gospel Hall.
In the spring/summer of 1899, a few Christian believers began to gather together in His name and have a Sunday school east of the East End Gospel Hall. The group held meetings in what was known as the Brotherson's Hall located on Danforth Avenue, just west of Dawes Road. The hall sat on top of a wagon and harness shop and part of the Blacksmith's shop. It was not an ideal spot, lacking many conveniences. Water was obtained from a pump located across the road, light was by coal oil lamps, and heating by a stove. Access to the meetings was by a narrow wooden set of stairs three feet wide and during the winter, the floors were so cold that the sisters were provided with footstools. But here, the faithful work of the Lord commenced.
Credit for the starting of the work is given to Mr E.B Steen, who was encouraged and supported by the Christians at the East End Gospel Hall, presently meeting at Queen Street East and Boulton Avenue.
So the band of Christians laboured for a time at the Brotherson's Hall but found new meeting locations. First, they met at the Y.M.C.A Hall, next to the York Railway Station (now the Danforth GO Station). From here, they moved to 82 Swanwick Avenue to what was known as Morton's Hall. The rent for the hall charged by Mr Morton to the Christians was $4.00 a month (which is roughly $132.00 in today's money).
From Morton's Hall, the Christians went for a time to Snell's Hall at Main Street and Gerrard Street East and eventually moved back to Swanwick Avenue, where they had gas lights but still no water.
It was finally decided to settle in a home of their own. The land to the east of Morton's Hall was purchased on Swanwick Avenue, between Osbourne and Kimberly. The Morton Hall was moved to the west lot and converted into a bungalow. A hall for the assembly was built on the east side of the lot. It was a large undertaking for a small congregation, so the mortgage was taken out by a brother in the assembly.
Not long after the hall was built a decision was made to expand as more Christians entered the fellowship. So, the hall was enlarged twice its size to accommodate.
Many prominent brethren in Toronto were connected to the Swanwick assembly and aided in its work and growth. These men included; Robert Steen, A.R. Myers, James Gunn Sr, David Miller, Leonard and Frank Sheldrake, Harry Cox, Alex Sinclair, William Baillie, George Hall, and Roy Littleproud.
Swanwick Gospel Hall circa 1910.
Taken from the Toronto Public Library Archives
The assembly grew steadily by God's grace that new premises were needed. The Christians gave generously, and a lot was purchased at 2237 Danforth Avenue. Building commenced, and on October 1st, 1950, the Christians met for the first time to break bread at Danforth Gospel Hall. At the time of relocation to Danforth Avenue, this group was one the largest gatherings of Christian assemblies in the city, evident by the size of the new hall. Through the years, several brethren have been active in the work of the assembly since its relocation to Danforth Avenue such as Reynold Woodward, James Russell, and Andrew Johnston.
Today the assembly continues to gather to His name at Danforth Gospel Hall. A body of Christians faithfully attend and take an active role in the work of the Lord and his assembly.