History

Hope began in 1884 as a Methodist tabernacle on the south side of Danforth, west of Main St. The area was then little more than a hamlet within York Township, but with the rapid development of the rail yards south of Danforth the area grew quickly, becoming the Town of East Toronto, before being annexed to the City of Toronto in 1908.

By that time Hope Methodist had relocated to a larger building made of brick and stone on the north-west corner of Main and Danforth which among other things boasted a full pipe organ and a Sunday School building at the back. The current building was erected in 1930, when the congregation outgrew the previous facilities. A large manse was built next to the church to house ministers and their families.

After more than 100 years of life and ministry in the community the congregation decided to tear down the manse and build in its place Hope Centre, a seniors’ residence.

In 2006 the congregation entered a partnership with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) who re-located their offices from London, England to Toronto, moving into renovated space in the former Hope United Sunday School Hall.

In 2008-2009 Hope celebrated its 125th Anniversary with special services, concerts, visits from former ministers, and a continuing commitment to discover God’s call in new ways at the crossroads of Main and Danforth and beyond.

2016 marked the beginning of a “Fresh Expressions” pilot project to explore new faith expressions and ways of engaging the community. Jazz Vespers, a worship service based on Gospel, Praise and blues, Messy Church, Yoga Classes and a summer drama, arts and music camp have been part of the new programming. We are also revitalizing our worship and community spaces.