Windermere United Church

The Windermere United Church Story

As Toronto grew westward in 1910, the Reverend Gilbart Agar, pastor of Howard Park Methodist Church advised the Methodist Social Union to ‘plant’ a church in the Bloor/Windermere area.

Early in 1912 the Social Union opened a tent church on the sand hills in the community which later became the village of Swansea. The people of the area responded enthusiastically and a more permanent accommodation became necessary. Howard Park financed the purchase of a lot on the corner of Windermere and Mayfield Avenues. A portable church was brought in and erected almost overnight.

In early March 1914, a terrific windstorm swept the community while the evening service was in progress. The building outlasted the service but collapsed around 1:00am. Parts of the portable church were found several blocks away and hymn books were discovered in the snow as far south as the Swansea Public School. Within a week the congregation met and decided to move and build a more permanent structure.

The congregation had little money but plenty of faith and tenacity. A wooden structure was built at the cost of $1,413.00. The brick structure housing our Sanctuary and Assembly Room was opened and dedicated in 1926, a year following church union when Windermere Methodist Church became part of the newly formed United Church of Canada.

The Christian Education Wing including Sunday School Rooms, a Gymnasium, Church Offices, and a Parlour was completed in 1957. During the 40’s and 50’s there were three worship services with a full orchestra, and people lining up an hour before service time for a seat.

With the changing demographics beginning in the 1980’s, an ageing building and uncertain finances Windermere has faced many challenges in 98 years. The church manse was sold in 2005, and our ministry staff was reduced to part-time.

In 2006 the church partnered with Cresford Developments who refurbished our lower level with a daycare.  Over time, Windermere’s building become home to Swansea School of Dance, Mandarin Classes, Sugar Beat Music, and Weight Watchers. 

Recently, with the growth in the congregation and Sunday school, a decision was made in 2011 to increase the ministry hours back to full-time.

The current minister at Windermere United Church is Rev. Alexa Gilmour

About the Service

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORSHIP at Windermere United Church

RELAX: You can be assured you will never be centred out, never embarrassed. We hope our worship service is user friendly. Follow along in the bulletin or listen to the verbal instructions. Our worship style is informal.

DRESS: Wear what you like! God looks at the heart, not what you wear. If you are unsure about what to wear, we are a very casual congregation.

KIDS: There are toys for every child, and a table at the back of the church for drawings and other creations. There is a rocking chair for nursing mothers and crying infants. Our congregation works hard to appreciate people of all ages. Children are included and seen as an integral part of our worship life together. We have a thriving group of children in our Sunday School whihc meets from September until June.

SING: Music is a big part of our worship. We recognize that not everyone likes to sing or knows the hymns or sung responses, that are part of our weekly worship. Great. Enjoy the words. We use the hymn book Voices United.

REFRESHMENTS: Following worship the drinks are on the house! We enjoy a time of food and fellowship, where you can meet some of our nicer folks. Mary McConnell does a super job in coordinating the fellowship time. 

TELL: Please sign the Guest Book so we can follow up with a letter of welcome. A Welcome to Windermere pamphlet tells all about us. And if you are looking at the website then you know lots!

OFFERING: If you are a guest with us, please don't feel obligated to participate in the offering. The offering time is when regular members give to God and God's work through this church. If you are our guest at any service of worship, this is our gift to you. If you do wish to make a donation visitors envelopes are provided in every pew.

About the Neighbourhood

Windermere church is part of the historic village of Swansea which is now part of Bloor West Village. Originally the neighbourhood was settled by Ukrainian immigrants but now has a wide range of people. Families are a big part of this community but there is also a very trendy strip along Bloor of fabulous shops and restaurants. The closet subway station is Jane St. station.

Quick Facts

Are you on Facebook or twitter?

Our twitter user name is wind_uc and we can also be found at facebook.com/Windermere_UC

Church Minister

Rev. Alexa Gilmour

VIEW CHURCH MAP