Sanctuary Project – Update

A low-angel shot of the Sanctuary of MCC Toronto with text saying "Sanctuary Project update"

As a follow-up to last year’s Congregational Campaign in support of the ELEVATION Campaign, I am very pleased to update you on the timeline and scope of the upcoming Sanctuary project. Thanks to the generosity of our members and congregations, the total budget for the Sanctuary Project is $165,000.

Following our Anniversary Sunday Service on July 16, 2023, MCC Toronto will be moving our weekly Worship Services into the McCain Family Social Hall for the remainder of July and August, with a hope of returning to the Sanctuary in time for a celebratory Homecoming later in September. An internal transition team has already been formed, and we are working hard to ensure the highest quality audio presentation and a continuation of our livestreaming capabilities from our temporary 8-week Worship home in the Social Hall.

Although worship-related volunteer opportunities will be limited during this time, we are working on launching a Refugee Volunteer Empowerment Program (RVEP) in the coming weeks to empower our refugee members and offer them meaningful ways to contribute to our church community.

Beginning immediately on July 17, the Sanctuary Project will see a transformation of our beloved spiritual home. Here are the items included in the project scope:

  • Repairing/patching all wall and ceiling surfaces
  • Removal of outdated wiring
  • Painting the entire Sanctuary, including walls, ceiling, columns and the floors underneath the pews (Note: natural wood features currently in the Sanctuary – including the pews – will NOT be painted)
  • Replacement of some carpeting on the main floor
  • Installation of two large fans to improve air circulation
  • Installation of handrails on both sides of the chancel to improve accessibility
  • Lighting improvements

The project will be ably guided by Santiago Arias, our Interim Facilities Manager.

A very special thanks to Anne Brayley & Nanette Sanson and Andrew Fleming & Roger Keglevich who together contributed a wonderful matching gift $75,000 to the Congregational Campaign, Lori Boyce & Jennifer Alexander and Doug Kerr & Michael Went who served as Campaign Co-Chairs, and to the many, many, many congregants and members who made a Congregational Campaign gift. Following completion of the project, a Donor plaque will be installed in the Sanctuary as a in perpetuity celebration of the donors who made these Sanctuary improvements possible. And as previously announced, we will be installing a sign for the renamed “Rev. Brent Hawkes Inter-Faith Chapel”.

If you have any questions about the Campaign, please reach out to John R. Farrell, our Senior Director of Development & Communications. If you have project questions, you can direct them to me.

– Shannon Malloch,
Executive Director & Acting COO

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