Another historic Church in Canada has been destroyed by Fire among nearly 100 Church Attacks since 2021. Arsonists destroy another church; this time it was a historic Saint Anne's Anglican church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.The beautiful Anglican St. Anne's Church in Toronto. It was considered a historic church, was based on Byzantine church designs and was designed by recognized artists. Priceless artwork by the famous Group of 7 depicting the life of Jesus were also destroyed within the church.
The Catholic Archbishop of Toronto Released a statement on the fire:
Statement from Archbishop Francis Leo re: Fire at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Toronto
In hearing news of the devastating fire that took place at the historic St. Anne’s Anglican Church on Gladstone Avenue in Toronto, the Most Rev. Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto offered prayers on behalf of the Catholic community:
“St. Anne’s Church is a place where Christians have gathered for over a hundred years to worship and adore Jesus Christ. It was a marvelously constructed place of worship where people could pray to Our Lord while surrounded by beautiful and historic artwork – a place of refuge for believers in the heart of a large and busy city.
Today is indeed a very sad day and I wish to convey my sorrow, solidarity and my support to the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. To Bishop Andrew Asbil, St. Anne’s Rector Fr. Don Beyers, and the entire parish community of St. Anne’s, please be assured of my prayers at this difficult time.
Also greatly impacted by this horrific fire at St. Anne’s will be the thousands of people in the surrounding area who have come to rely on the generosity of this parish community in serving meals and caring for the less fortunate, various partners within the arts community, and the numerous other service groups and organizations that St. Anne’s is involved with.
Please know that everyone impacted by this fire will remain in the prayers of the faithful members of the Catholic community throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto today, the Lord’s Day, and in the days and weeks ahead.”
The Toronto Police released a statement on the fire:
The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with a fire investigation.
On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 7:55 a.m., police responded to a call for a fire at St. Anne's Anglican Church located at 270 Gladstone Avenue. Police arrived on scene and observed thick black smoke coming from the church and the church fully engulfed in flames.
Investigators from TPS, Toronto Fire Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management are currently investigating.
TPS has opened an online portal where members of the public may upload video or photos to assist investigators.
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