This week, we are highlighting Corpus Christi Parish and sharing some materials we have on its history.
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| Photograph published in Construction Journal April 1928 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Construction/Renovations |
In early 1919, a group of residents in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto came together and requested that a chapel or parish be built in order to serve the Catholics in the area. Archbishop Neil McNeil granted the request, and offered his Chancellor, Father Stanislaus McGrath, the opportunity to organize and lead the new parish.
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| Corpus Christi Pastoral Council Publication describing the establishment of the parish Christmas 1971 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Publications |
Thus, Corpus Christi Parish was established on March 21, 1920. While parishioners enjoyed mass at a temporary chapel, the official cornerstone for the new building was laid on June 6, 1926. Construction continued from 1926 to 1927. The new church was officially opened on May 1, 1927.
Corpus Christi was designed by J. Gibb Morton in the 12th Century Roman style. For its construction, Credit Valley stone was used for the exterior walls with an Indiana stone trim. Morton is also responsible for the drawing below:
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| Photograph of a pen, brush and ink drawing of the exterior of Corpus Christi Church by J. Gibb Morton [192-?] Photograph Collection PH 102/0008/16P |
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| Photograph of the interior front of Corpus Christi Church [195-?] Photograph Collection PH 102/0008/17P |
In April 1928, Corpus Christi was featured in "Construction: A Journal for the Architectural, Engineering and Contracting Interests of Canada", revered for its design elements. Special attention was paid to its acoustic design:
"Mention should be made of the acoustical properties of the church which are based on the identical theory as that exercised by the monks when they built the Abbey of St. Benedict, and are quite perfect. Every word of the sermon and the voice of the celebrant in the liturgy of the mass is audible and distinctly heard in all parts of the nave and side aisles."
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| Front cover of Construction: Journal for the Architectural, Engineering and Contracting Interests of Canada April 1928 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Construction/Renovations |
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| Article featuring Corpus Christi Parish April 1928 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Construction/Renovations |
Fr. Stanislaus McGrath was handed Corpus Christi Parish in 1920, and served the congregation for 23 years until his death in 1943.
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| Excerpt from Corpus Christi Pastoral Council Publication Christmas 1971 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Publications |
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| Letter to Fr. McGrath May 2, 1927 Dear Father McGrath I am enclosing a small donation towards your church fund, with my best wishes, I congratulate you and your worthy supporters in the erection of such a magnificent building as a place of worship. It certainly is a great credit to you, and you must be very happy to have your untiring efforts crowned with such wonderful success. I hope you may long be spared to minister to your people in this neighborhood. I remain yours Very sincerely W. H. Lewis Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - General Correspondence |
This beautiful church has been serving the Beaches Catholic community for almost 100 years now.
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| An early parish newsletter May 25, 1941 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Publications |
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| An early parish newsletter May 25, 1941 Parish Collection - Corpus Christi - Publications |
If you're in the Beaches neighborhood this summer, check it out for yourself!
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