One year after the fire: What St. Anne's Anglican Church looks like now
As parishioners in Toronto's Little Portugal mark one year since a fire destroyed the historic St. Anne's Anglican Church, restorations continue to bring the building back to life.
The church won't be the same but will try to incorporate many original elements, Rev. Don Beyers says
As St. Anne's Anglican Church marks one year since it was destroyed in a fire last June, progress has been made to bring the building back to life. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
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As parishioners in Toronto's Little Portugal mark one year since a fire destroyed the historic St. Anne's Anglican Church, restorations continue to bring the building back to life.
Rev. Don Beyers says the final design will be smaller than the original, holding about 400 people compared to 800. The church will try to incorporate as many elements of the original building as possible — including the restored artwork and the old high altar, said Beyers.
Here's what St. Anne's looks like now:
The cause of the fire is still unknown nearly a year later. The Office of the Fire Marshal's investigation remains ongoing, spokesperson Sean Driscoll said in an email. Toronto police said last year they didn't consider the fire suspicious. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
The building, built between 1907 and 1908 in the city's Little Portugal neighbourhood, housed early works by members of the Group of Seven and was designated a national historic site for the 'remarkable' paintings and sculptures that decorated its interior. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
The church has about $8 million left of insurance money after the cleanup and restoration work, Rev. Don Beyers says, so St. Anne's will also have to fundraise and rely on private donations to pay to fully complete the project. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
The church has been holding talks with members of the congregation, neighbours in the community and groups affiliated with St. Anne's to discuss the design of a new church on the old site, says Rev. Don Beyers. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
Joseph Ryan is a reporter and associate producer based in Toronto. He is a recipient of the 2024 CBC Joan Donaldson Scholarship and a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University.
