Visiting the Church of the Nativity, Malvern, Scarborough, Ontario: Strong 21st Century Statement in Gothic

This 21st Century church building asserts a very traditional style in its Gothic features; in fact, one could almost say that its basic frontage could have been designed at any point in the last 2 centuries or so. This eastern elevation evidences some strong, rugged features consistent with Gothic style, including the monumental flying buttresses and the pointed window arching.

Other features include multi-coloured brick, and a prominent bell-tower, executed in a simple, arched design. It is interesting that, in the light of the overall, strongly Gothic features of the building, particularly evidenced by the large, pointed arch directly below the bell-tower, the architect should have chosen to put a Syrian rather than Gothic arch in this crowning feature. Significantly, at certain angles, it is the bell-tower with the Syrian arch that is the most conspicuous feature; and so the Gothic styling of the main frontage can come as somewhat of a surprise when one approaches the building more closely; the Syrian arch might lead some observers to expect Romanesque styling instead.

The Anglican congregation that meets in the building commenced in 1974; it met for several years in a building on nearby Neilson Road. A new building was planned from 1991; groundbreaking began in 2000.

The current building at 10 Sewells Road, Malvern, Scarborough, Ontario, was opened in 2002 (1), making this rather traditional structure to be of contemporary provenance, but recalling a time-honoured style, with its roots deeply in the past, and effusing a very strong sense of solidity.

February 27, 2018

Note

(1) See also: http://www.thechurchofthenativity.org/History.html

In Toronto itself, other historic church buildings include the Metropolitan United Church, St James's and St. Michael's Cathedrals; a very few of other noted buildings include: the Ontario Legislative Assembly Building, Queen's Park, Old City Hall, Osgoode Hall, Campbell House, Old Fort York.

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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 sights to be easily walkable. TTC bus routes 133 passes along Neilson Road, close to 10 Sewells Road, Malvern. Some facilities may be withdrawn without notice. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information. For any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities, please refer to appropriate consular sources.

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