St Andrew’s Church

St Andrew's Church, a Scottish Presbyterian heritage

The Toronto audio-guided tour stops you before St Andrew's Church, a surprising piece of history amid the huge glass towers of downtown. It is approached with quiet respect: it is a place of prayer and worship that is still active.

A congregation with Scottish roots

Designed in 1876 by a Canadian architect and businessman, this religious building has from the start welcomed a Presbyterian congregation, in which lay people are elected to its leadership. A remarkable example of Romanesque Revival architecture, it shows medieval details, such as its keep-like towers, proudly recalling the Scottish origins of the community settled there.

What there is to see

Note the striking contrast between the old stone of the church and the ultramodern glass façades surrounding it. Inside, with respect for silence and services, you appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuary. St Andrew's Church is a precious witness to the religious history of Toronto, preserved in the heart of the financial district.

Practical information

St Andrew's Church stands at the corner of King Street and Simcoe Street, in downtown Toronto. An active Presbyterian place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; the sanctuary's opening times may vary with celebrations.

How old is the church?

St Andrew's Church was designed in 1876 by a Canadian architect and businessman, for a Presbyterian congregation.

What architectural style does it show?

It is a remarkable example of Romanesque Revival architecture, whose medieval details, such as the keep-like towers, evoke the Scottish origins of the community.