The images in the above collage were taken at the Cathedral which is also a parish church for the St. Lawrence neighborhood. I’ve visited the Cathedral before but never took a single picture. This time I had my camera along with me and stayed behind to take a few pictures. It’s a beautiful church and I’ll share the collages and save the story behind my visit for the end.
St. James Cathedral is both a parish church ministering to the historic St. Lawrence neighbourhood and a cathedral (the church where the bishop’s chair or throne – the ‘cathedra’ – is located), making it the spiritual centre of the diocese and a focal point for the civic life of Toronto, one of Canada’s most prominent cultural and financial centres.
A parishioner of the church sitting next to me told me that the above stained-glass is in the Tiffany-style. It`s very impressive.
The Cathedral is a symbol of God’s presence and love in the city. It has a three-fold mission: to provide a spiritual sanctuary and a place of worship in the fullness of the liturgical tradition of the Anglican Church; to offer a welcoming hospitality to everyone, healing, hope, and opportunities to learn so that together we can build a community in a troubled world; and to provide, as the seat of the Diocesan Bishop, a focal point for his ministry in the life of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto.
Churches, cathedrals, and stained-glass windows go together. St. James has its fair share of lovely stained-glass windows.
The beautiful stained glass windows that adorn St. James’ are remarkable works of art, radiating dazzling colour and light. From the panels above the high altar to the west porch window which depicts The Calling of St. James, these stunning windows illuminate the cathedral with vibrant light and energy while depicting biblical stories. (Toronto Journey)
The St. James’ Cathedral that stands today was designed by architect Frederick Cumberland. The design of the towering cathedral reflects the early English Gothic Revival style of architecture. In the mid-19th century, it was the largest building in the city. In 1865, the bells were put in and the spire was completed in 1875. A year later, the clock tower was donated by the citizens of Toronto. In 1889, an organ console was installed which was modernized at the beginning of the 20th century by renowned Quebec organ builders Casavant Freres. St. James’ underwent major renovations in the early 80s and in 1997 the twelve change ringing bells (one of only two sets on the continent) were installed to celebrate the cathedral’s bicentennial. (Toronto Journey)
My visit to St. James’ Cathedral was a bit of a surprise even for me. As I was listening to one of the classical radio stations while cooking on Friday, July 11th, I heard that the choir of Trinity College Cambridge was in concert at the Cathedral the following day in the afternoon. It was announced that there might be some last minute tickets and the number to call was given. Serendipitously, I had been thinking of Cambridge University that particular week since my son had told me he was giving a paper there on the Friday. This was the said Friday.
On Saturday morning, I called the Cathedral and was told that the doors would be open at 3 p.m. and tickets would be on sale then. It was in that moment that I decided to go to the Concert. It was amazing! If you don’t believe it’s a small world – it really is!
it’s a small world
saying
›said to show yoursurprise that people or events in different places are connected : So you know my oldscienceteacher ! Well, it’s certainly a small world , isn’t it?
The images in the above collage were taken at the Cathedral which is also a parish church for the St. Lawrence neighborhood. I’ve visited the Cathedral before but never took a single picture. This time I had my camera along with me and stayed behind to take a few pictures. It’s a beautiful church and I’ll share the collages and save the story behind my visit for the end.
