Visiting Trinity Lutheran Church, Toronto, Ontario: Gothic Structure, by Werner E. Noffke, Dating From 1952

[NB: Among the many notable buildings which are the subject of the hubpages, these may include religious buildings, described as churches, etc.; these descriptions centre on the buildings' architectural and historical interest.]

Completed in 1952, Trinity Lutheran Church — in full, Trinity Evangelical (1) Lutheran Church — meets in a structure designed by Werner E. Noffke (1878-1964)(2), a prolific architect in Canada, who designed not a few other Lutheran church buildings.

The simple structure is executed in brick, with stone facing, in a 'traditional' neo-Gothic style. While the building lacks a spire or tower — which often accompanies features of ecclesiastical buildings in Gothic style — identifiable Gothic elements which are strongly present at Trinity Lutheran include prominent window arching — particular at the arch above the entrance at the Sherbourne Street elevation — and a series of flying buttresses. While a relatively small building, the design gives it a strong sense of solidity.

The congregation which used the building from its inception had been in existence since 1931(3); to the present day, there is a high proportion of immigrants to Canada who have been associated with it. While German-speaking people have traditionally been a significant focus of the church, at various times services in a number of other languages have also been held, including Latvian, Estonian and Korean.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 619 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, Ontario (close to the Sherbourne - Bloor intersection).

May 28, 2019

Notes

(1) If viewed as a translation from German, the phrase 'Evangelical Lutheran' is somewhat of a tautology, strictly speaking, because the widely used term that conveys the sense 'Lutheran' in German is often simply 'evangelisch'. Thus may also be noted that the English word 'evangelical' as commonly used in North America does not necessary convey exactly the sense of the word used — particularly in translation from German — in a Lutheran context.

(2) For a list of Architect Noffke's other designs, see also: http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/1453

(3) In 1931 the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church was involved in the congregation's inception.

Some sourcing: Wikipedia

The Downtown Toronto area is particularly worth exploring by foot, with many fine, historic buildings, a few of which include the following:

In Downtown Toronto , impressive ecclesiastical architecture includes that of three close neighbours: the United Metropolitan Church , St Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral and St James's Anglican Cathedral , the second and third of which have tall spires which are local landmarks. Almost opposite St Michael's Cathedral on Bond Street is Mackenzie House , former home of William Lyon Mackenzie, at #82, now a museum. On Queen Street East, and adjacent to the Eaton Centre renowned among shoppers, is Old City Hall , dating from 1899. On Queen Street West are the imposing Osgoode Hall and the historic Campbell House . The CN Tower , off Front Street, is naturally a must-see attraction which receives very large numbers of visitors.

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How to get there: Air Canada, flies to Toronto Pearson Airport, with wide North American and other connections, from where car rental is available. However, visitors to Downtown Toronto will find many visitor attractions to be easily walkable. Sherbourne Subway station (on No. 2 Line of the TTC) is close to 619 Sherbourne Street, Toronto. Please note that some facilities may be withdrawn without notice. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information. Please refer to appropriate consular sources for any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.