A devastating 4-alarm fire erupted just before 8 a.m. this morning at Saint Anne’s Anglican Church on Gladstone Avenue. The blaze has resulted in extensive damage to the historic structure, renowned for its architectural significance and invaluable artwork.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop addressed the media shortly after the fire was reported, providing insights into the immediate response and ongoing efforts to control the blaze. “We established our perimeter early, moving our aerial devices within a safe collapse zone due to concerns about the building’s stability,” Jessop explained. “A significant portion of the roof has already fallen in. Given the heat, the age of the building, and the volume of water being used, further collapses are probable.”
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames engulfing the church. Their priority has been to contain the fire while ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and any potential occupants. As of now, there have been no reported injuries, a testament to the swift and effective response of emergency services.
Father Don Beyers, the parish priest at Saint Anne’s for the past three years, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “This is an extraordinary loss not only to the church community but to the larger community. Saint Anne’s served as a hub for the arts and provided essential services like meals to those in need,” Father Beyers said.
The church was particularly notable for its unique collection of artwork by members of the Group of Seven, a distinguished group of Canadian landscape painters. “The artwork covered the dome and the apse of the church. It’s heartbreaking to see these priceless murals, which depicted scenes from the life of Jesus and featured saints like St. Anne and St. George, destroyed,” he lamented.
The fire’s impact extends beyond the loss of the physical building and its artistic treasures. Alejandra Bravo, City Councillor for Davenport, highlighted the broader significance of the church. “This is much more than just a building. It has provided support, love, and a sense of community for many years. It’s a loss too great to comprehend,” Bravo stated. She also emphasized the outpouring of grief from the local community, describing it as “tremendous.”
Marit Stiles, Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport and the opposition leader in Ontario, echoed these sentiments. “This church has been a vital support for so many, offering shelter, food, and companionship. The community’s loss is immense, but we will rebuild. The response from emergency services has been extraordinary, ensuring that no one was hurt and that surrounding buildings were protected,” Stiles noted.
Father Beyers expressed hope and determination to rebuild. “While this is incredibly devastating for my congregation, we will rise from this. We have every intention of continuing to serve this great community,” he affirmed. He called for the community’s support in the rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the need for solidarity and assistance in these challenging times. The immediate focus remains on ensuring the fire is completely extinguished and investigating the cause of the blaze.
The fire at Saint Anne’s Anglican Church is a significant loss to Toronto’s cultural and spiritual landscape. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the collective resolve to rebuild and support one another is evident. The church, a beacon of hope and service for over a century, stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of community spirit.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire or who may have witnessed unusual activity around the church this morning to come forward. Updates will continue to be provided as the investigation progresses and plans for rebuilding take shape.