About Us

About Us  - Details
 

St Patrick’s Church is in the midst of celebrating our 54^th year of worship, learning, fellowship and fun. Situated in Willowdale at 1087 Lillian St, we are a small, warm, welcoming and very active congregation.

Our first Church service was held on January 17^th, 1954 in Lillian Street Public School; in the spring of that year the Diocese approved a portable church building on the property. The name “St Patrick’s Anglican Church” was chosen. In 1955 the sod for the new church was turned and the corner stone laid in October. The Church and Hall were officially opened and dedicated on April 27^th, 1956.

In January of 1961, a proposal to extend the Church and Hall and to add a bell tower and steeple was approved. The dedication service for the completed extensions, additions, renovated kitchen and the Christian Education Wing took place in 1963.

In the 70’s the Rev Jim Tiller began conducting services at Cummer Lodge for the elderly residents living there. This ministry continues with the help of parish volunteers. The Salty Shamrocks, a youth singing group formed and sang during the morning service. In 1974, we celebrated our 20^th anniversary.

During the 80’s St Patrick’s sponsored four persons who had fled war-torn Vietnam. St Pat’s Players was formed to present Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. One of our main events was celebrated in 1986 when we burned the “mortgage”.

The Rev Barbara Sykes conducted her first service at St Patrick’s on Sunday April 24^th, 1993. During her incumbency Barbara initiated “The Lillian Public School Programme”. During the weeks before Christmas and Easter children from the school were invited to visit the church to hear the faith stories of Christmas and Easter and to learn the meaning of these important holidays. This programme is still active with 180 children attending in 2006.

In 2004 we celebrated our 50^th anniversary with a special dinner and a yearlong flurry of activities that were enjoyed by all.

We have embarked on our next 50 years with the help of our incumbent, the Rev Fran Kovar, who arrived in February 2005. We have initiated a process of renewal that will result in making our main floor completely accessible to anyone with challenges to their mobility. In 2005/2006 we held our first Disciple course, which, in addition to taking us through 70% of the Bible, identified the ministry gifts of the participants. In the Fall of 2006 two new programmes began: “St Patrick’s Book Club”, where we discuss a range of ideas and issues, and “Fitness for the Young at Heart”. The Special Events Committee plans events as fundraisers, for community building, and just for fun. You can get an idea of what is happening by checking the Calendar of Events page.

St Patrick’s is a small church with a rich history and big plans for the future.