Historic Toronto Church Destroyed by Fire, Group of Seven Artworks Lost

A four-alarm fire devastated St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto, a national historic site located in the Little Portugal neighborhood of the city. The blaze, which ignited before 8 a.m. on Sunday morning, engulfed the Byzantine-style church built in 1908. No injuries were reported as the structure was empty at the time of the fire.

The fire severely damaged the church and completely destroyed the priceless murals by members of the Group of Seven inside. The intricate artworks, including early paintings by Group of Seven artists J.E.H. MacDonald, Franklin Carmichael, and Frederick Varley, adorned the interior of the church dating back to the 1920s, portraying the life of Christ.

Deepak Chagger, a spokesperson for the Toronto Fire Services, confirmed that nothing was saved from the fire, and firefighters had to retreat due to the risk of a collapse of the church. The loss of these invaluable artworks has left the community reeling from the destruction of such a unique and culturally significant space.

St. Anne’s church commissioned J.E.H. MacDonald in 1923 to oversee the design of the murals. This notable Canadian landscape artist then brought in other Group of Seven members to contribute to the artwork, creating a masterpiece that was revered not only for its artistic value but also for its historical significance in Canada.

Coun. Alejandra Bravo, representing the ward where St. Anne’s Church stands, expressed the immense sadness felt by residents over the loss. The church was not just a building; it was a place of community support, love, and spiritual solace, making it irreplaceable to its visitors and members.

The destruction of St. Anne’s Anglican Church marks a poignant moment in Canadian history, emphasizing the fragile nature of preserving cultural heritage and the value of these artistic masterpieces created by the renowned Group of Seven in the early 20th century.