St. James Cathedral, located at the corner of King and Church, belongs to Toronto's first Anglican congregation. We ride by often on our way to St. Lawrence Market and sometimes hear the Sunday bells. During Doors Open Toronto, we decided to take a look inside.
This current incarnation of St. James Cathedral was completed in 1853 in the Gothic Revival style. Designed by Frederick William Cumberland, it replaced a Neo Classical structure, one of several versions of St. James to burn down. With encaustic tiles from the Minton potteries welcoming you at the entrance and magnificent exposed rafters crowning the vaulting ceiling, we felt like we were back in England. We were most taken with the austere elegance and mysterious spiral staircase of the St. George chapel, dedicated for King George in 1936. Even though the stacking chairs scattered about don't really go with the architecture, they do make you feel people are spending time here. Drop in for a free organ recital, Tuesdays at 1:00 and Sundays at 4:00.
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