A Taste of History on the Danforth: Church of the Holy Name

Summer in Toronto is full of many fun events. This weekend features the 23rd annual Taste of the Danforth, Canada’s largest street festival. As you are taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the festival, you will pass some interesting historical buildings, including Church of the Holy Name on the corner of Gough and Danforth Avenues.

Architect Arthur W. Holmes designed the church. The cornerstone was laid in November 1914.

Photograph of a drawing of the church, likely done by the architect, Arthur W. Holmes

Photographs Collection, PH0014/41P

Father Michael Cline was the first resident pastor.

Head and shoulder photographic portrait of Monsignor Michael Cline, 1870-1947, as a young priest.

Photographs Collection, PH24C/106P

The church on a cloudy summer day in the early 1980s.

August 1981

Photographs Collection, PH0014/04C

View of the back of the church from the altar in the early 1980s.

August 1981

Photographs Collection, PH0014/08C

View of the front interior of the church in the early 1970s.

Altar and sanctuary, ca. October 1970

Photographs Collection, PH81/10CP

View of the front interior of the church almost two decades later. Can you spot the differences?

1989

Photographs Collection, PH0014/49C

Exterior of the church in the late 1980s.

1989

Photographs Collection, PH0014/46C

For more information about the church and to see some wonderful older photographs of the church, please visit the Holy Name Parish website. Have a wonderful weekend!