Historic Toronto Church Destroyed by Fire, Group of Seven Murals Lost
A fire at the historic St Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto on Sunday, June 9, damaged the Canadian heritage site and destroyed its unique religious murals by members of Canada’s renowned Group of Seven. The 1908 Byzantine revival style church, declared a National Historic Site of Canada and given heritage status by the city of Toronto in 1996, contained more than 15 works by J.E.H. MacDonald, Frank Carmichael, Frederick H. Varley, and other members of the Group of Seven depicting scenes from the life of Jesus.
The rare religious works by members of a group known for its images of nature did not survive the fire, which destroyed everything but the building’s façade. At a press conference on Monday, city councillor Alejandra Bravo expressed the irreplaceable nature of the works, calling them something cannot be replaced in Canada and the world.
The works were commissioned in 1923 by the reverend Canon Reverend Lawrence Skey and the project was led by Macdonald, one of the Group of Seven’s founding members. The decorative works covered the walls and ceiling of the church, inspired by Byzantine iconography adapted to a contemporary Canadian context. The destruction of these works has been mourned throughout the Canadian art and heritage communities.
St Anne’s Anglican Church was known for its Byzantine-style architecture and rebellious nature, showcasing a unique blend of art and architecture. Efforts are now underway for the church’s reconstruction, with donations being accepted for the cause. The community remains committed to rebuilding the church and continuing its mission to serve as a place of worship for all.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.