After 120 years of service, Victoria-Royce, Toronto, has closed its doors. The final service was held on June 25th, with about 300 people in attendance. “There was a tremendous response,” said Rev. George French, a former minister of Victoria-Royce for 15 years. “They came from far and wide to say goodbye.”
When French first took up his call at ViceRoy, as it was affectionately called, he was told by a fellow minister that the church would likely close in two years. “But its impact on the community was real,” said French, noting the food bank that served the neighbourhood and the Korean congregation that began worshipping there. “It will be remembered for its social services.”
Victoria-Royce began in 1885 in the waiting room of the Toronto junction railway station of the Canadian Pacific Railway. About 50 people gathered regularly, when it was known as West Toronto Junction Presbyterian Church. The church lost about half of its members during Union in 1925 and it amalgamated with Royce Church in 1969.
The congregation served an increasingly multicultural neighbourhood, as well as people of all ages. In recent years, the church offered a homework club, a mom and baby café, games and movie nights, first aid and CPR workshops, special concerts and an open stage night where people from the community were invited to perform music, poetry and dance.
French said although nothing has been confirmed, he has heard speculation that a Korean congregation might buy the building and continue ministry there, or it may be converted into seniors’ housing — something more and more Toronto churches are doing, and an idea that was proposed to ViceRoy many years ago.
“I feel badly to see it closing,” said French, “but I was impressed by the final service that was held. The community and presbytery came out and said farewell.” – AM
