Limehouse Memorial Hall
Limehouse Memorial Hall
The hall was built as a Methodist church on land provided by Thomas Gowdy, the co-owner of the Gowdy-Moore Lime Company, which later became the Toronto Lime Company.
Construction began in 1876 and was completed in 1877 using limestone from the local quarries. It quickly became a focal point for community events, hosting political debates, dances, village meetings and guest lecturers in addition to church services as often as three times a week.
The church closed in 1925 following the amalgamation of the Methodist Church, the Congregational Union of Canada, and some Presbyterian congregations to form the United Church of Canada.
The Limehouse Branch of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario purchased the church for $1,000 in 1945, renaming it the Limehouse Memorial Hall in honour of those who served in the war.
The Women’s Institute operated the hall until 1996 when ownership was transferred to the residents of Limehouse. The Limehouse Community Hall Board was established.
“After 151 years, the building remains a testament to high craftsmanship in masonry construction, highlighted by its detailed stonework and architectural features,” the staff report said.
The report noted the former church building, because of its location and importance to the community, serves as a landmark “and has remained a gathering place for the Limehouse community.”
The report also said it is “one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Limehouse.”
The hall was built as a Methodist church on land provided by Thomas Gowdy, the co-owner of the Gowdy-Moore Lime Company, which later became the Toronto Lime Company.
Construction began in 1876 and was completed in 1877 using limestone from the local quarries. It quickly became a focal point for community events, hosting political debates, dances, village meetings and guest lecturers in addition to church services as often as three times a week.
The church closed in 1925 following the amalgamation of the Methodist Church, the Congregational Union of Canada, and some Presbyterian congregations to form the United Church of Canada.
The Limehouse Branch of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario purchased the church for $1,000 in 1945, renaming it the Limehouse Memorial Hall in honour of those who served in the war.
The Women’s Institute operated the hall until 1996 when ownership was transferred to the residents of Limehouse. The Limehouse Community Hall Board was established.
“After 151 years, the building remains a testament to high craftsmanship in masonry construction, highlighted by its detailed stonework and architectural features,” the staff report said.
The report noted the former church building, because of its location and importance to the community, serves as a landmark “and has remained a gathering place for the Limehouse community.”
The report also said it is “one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Limehouse.”