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St. Matthew the Apostle
Anglican Church Diocese of Toronto 80 George Henry Blvd. North York Ontario M2J 1E7 416 494-7020 (Church Office)
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History of St. Matthew the Apostle Anglican Church
(North York) |
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History This Anglican Church began in Henry Farms when a few neighbours met together to celebrate Holy Communion in their homes. A portable sanctuary was erected, and the first service was celebrated on September 13, 1964. (The portable is now a parish hall for St. James the Apostle, Sharon, ON). Five years later, St. Matthew the Apostle-Oriole was built, and the inaugural service was held on January 25,1970. The building complex was completed in two stages, with the parish hall to the east being constructed first, followed by the main sanctuary area. The complex is of concrete block and brick construction with asphalt shingled roofs. The parish hall area comprises a Fellowship Room, Welcome Room, office space, washrooms and kitchen. The Fellowship Room is air-conditioned to accommodate the Montessori School, which operates throughout the school year. A fully equipped nursery and exterior play area are provided. The Fellowship Room can accommodate large congregational meetings, and is used on a regular basis by Alcoholics Anonymous and Weight Watchers. The Welcome Room has recently been renovated and is used for smaller gatherings. The kitchen is fully functional and is equipped with a stove, refrigerator and microwave oven. The male and female washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
On the lower level beneath the sanctuary are found the choir room, a large Assembly Hall, three church offices, washrooms and ample storage areas. The Assembly Hall is used for parish functions, weekly services by the Beulah House of God, the Kumon School and for the St. Matthew's monthly clothing sale. These areas are not wheel chair accessible. Rectors
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The sanctuary is uniquely designed with the altar centrally placed with seating arranged on three sides. The pulpit, organ and choir are located on the west wall. A stained glass skylight surmounts the altar cross, and stained glass clerestory windows surround the altar area. Wooden resonance wall panels represent the skin tones that make up the parish community, and recently installed wooden pews accommodate two hundred and fifty people. At each of the four corners of the sanctuary area, a room is located for meetings and storage purposes. The sacristy is conveniently positioned behind the sanctuary, and a roomy narthex, complete with storage cupboards and wet-bar, is located to the east entrance to the sanctuary. The sanctuary is wheel chair accessible only from the north entrance door.
