Tag: places of worship

St. Margaret in the Pines

This one is near and dear to me, as it is my recently adopted spiritual home. One might say it is the current physical representation of my spiritual salvation. It is where I most often go to share in a spiritual community whose members seek a change in lifestyle that can only truly be achieved through a psychic change. It is about recognizing a power greater than oneself and accepting that former approaches to relationships, attitudes, and life itself are no longer working.

For me, this is a journey that began roughly 15 years ago and has over the past 8 years borne immeasurable fruit. As St. Margaret in the Pines is a place of refuge and solace for me and reminds me of my fallibility and my mortality, it is a place I seek humility. And it is this humility that makes me open to all these places of worship I showcase, recognizing in them all a common quest for meaning, purpose, and serenity.

Of course, you will have noticed more photos this time and that is because you will have noticed there are, in fact, two churches on this site, both of which are called St. Margaret. I have only ever been in the newer building. The grounds are lovely (if you can handle cemeteries), there are indeed a number of pines present, and it is one of the oldest faith sites in Scarborough. It is on a major thoroughfare and close to an intersection I consider representative of one of the most deprived areas in the city, but is set back far enough to almost be another world. It proves that not far off the beaten path, another world can be found, if one has a reason, an open mind, and the willingness to seek it.

As usual, a website exists: https://stmargaretinthepines.ca/

Christ Church

As one of His key times of year approaches, it would be remiss not to include an entry for a church with his name in it. That is, as Christmas draws near, the name Christ must be included. This particular building is largely unremarkable and like so many such places appears to have been amended and appended many times over time. I would suggest it is in an unenviable location, beside a large grocery store parking lot and on a major thoroughfare, directly opposite a large apartment building. Having said that, I have no doubt it offers the same succour to those who worship here as any other of these places I share.

It does have a remarkable feature, in my view, and that is the large cross in the wall situated prominently near the main entrance. This really is quite striking and beautiful. It is made of wood. And there are some remarkable trees on the property. They are mainly in the back and do really dominate there, even softening and beautifying the surroundings of the usual outbuildings (you know how I love to photograph all angles of these places, revealing their real-world, everyday uses, too).

I see this place as offering a daycare and other vital community services. Most vitally in these times of some economic stress, I note that a food bank operates out of this church. That is succour indeed and reminds me of Christ’s empathy for both people’s spiritual and physical needs, as evidenced in Matthew 9:37. My interpretation of that and something I oft recount is an African proverb, as far as I’m aware, “An empty stomach has no ears.”

As always, I provide a link to the relevant website: https://christchurchscarborough.com/

New Apostolic

I’m not sure what was wrong with the old Apostles and I’m also not certain who fits the classification of “new” Apostle (except, of course, Paul), but as any reader of this blog will know, for me it’s not so much about the religion and those specifics and tenets, rather that there’s faith and that there’s an abundance of diversity of faiths from which to find one’s own path.

I start this photo set with the rear views, as they struck me on this day as particularly functional and solid. The architecture and construction of this building is exactly those things. From the front, though, some serious efforts have been made to provide a certain look, more ethereal than functional even within the confines of the stark (almost brutalist) architecture in question.

In the last pic, we see an entirely different view … serene, rustic, bucolic. And that serenity is what I sincerely hope the parishioners here find. That is, after all, what makes all of these places so special and beloved to me. It is what goes on on the inside that matters, literally and figuratively, despite my providing simply glimpses of the outsides. Serenity, faith, hope … purpose. These places give people purpose and it is a commodity in direly short supply in a confused, greedy, misled, and strangely lacking society.

I’d urge anyone lost or feeling the lack to seek out faith and hope and purpose. These are not just words and the cynicism of today makes them seem hokey and dated and pointless. But I assure all, based on my own experience, it is only ultimately in these things that one may come to see the point.

As always, a website’s also on offer (although it’s not specific to this location). Take a look at: https://www.naccanada.org//imis_prod/nac

Muslim Circle and Fountain of Life

Unusual for me to put together two places of worship, but the reality is that they exist right next door to each other. Neither in a particularly nice building, nothing special architecturally or even in their surroundings; neither has a lawn or garden or even a tree; no special lighting. Nevertheless, they surely hold a special place in people’s hearts and they certainly caught my eye all the same.

All of that, for me, is what makes them special and also that they represent such different faiths, yet coexist physically and offer the same to their subscribers spiritually. To me, the lesson in this, and it is one I have been learning significantly over the last years of my life, is: believe in and stay close to “god,” whatever that may be for you, and it simply does not matter where you are, how you look, or who’s in your ‘hood. Faith transcends and your spiritual life is an elemental aspect of life, period.

As always, there are websites for these special places, two of so, so many in Scarborough:

https://mccsmasjid.org/

http://www.fountainofliferccg.com/

No guarantees these work, but you can see for yourself these links are posted.

Holy Wisdom

This very angular building is Church of the Holy Wisdom. It strikes me as austere, but the trees and bushes and sunlight make it seem less so. It also seems affluent to me, which is not surprising, given that it is Anglican and Scarborough is still fundamentally a British settlement.

Now, I had the opportunity to visit last week and even went inside to experience wisdom in a way I often do and have certainly done within this very church many times. I have even shared wisdom of my own here. Or at least hope. And experience. Sadly, last week was the last time in this place for a gathering of the type that guides my spirituality and has been my salvation in this life.

That sadness was offset by great wisdom and strength offered by one of my fellows. An impassioned talk that was, to me, reminiscent of a fiery pastor, but gentler and humbler. He definitely spoke of faith, of God, and of his own salvation.

I am certain this place of worship will continue to offer a sanctuary for many, regardless of their specific faith or spiritual bent, and will remain a font of holy wisdom.

Naturally, they have a website: https://holywisdom.ca/

St. Boniface

The first pictures here are of the back and side of the building, which, as any who have viewed these posts will know, is my modus operandi. I’m interested in all of the building and its grounds. Interestingly, this is the first instance of a Catholic Church I’ve posted. More interesting still (to me), is it’s the first place where someone has come out from inside and asked me what I was doing. To be specific, from the back steps, the priest asked, “What are you doing? Casing the joint?”

I was pleased someone would engage, which is mostly what I’d expect at such places. I very briefly told him what I’m doing and he welcomed me to the grounds and bid me a good day.

I find this an impressive church. It is well proportioned and handsome. Its grounds are immaculate. And I do so love the last picture, showing just how well God’s work and man’s work (which is also God’s work) can show harmony together.

I’m sure the parishioners are proud of their place of worship and I’m sure they find much joy here, even among whatever troubles may also bring them here.

For any interested, of course it has a website, too: https://stbonifacesc.archtoronto.org/

Universal

After another hiatus from this blog, it’s important to me that I lead with something bold and inclusive. This building I find quite bold in its design and its name could hardly be more inclusive!

The signs declaring Jesus Christ as the Lord may tell a different story. However, in my belief, my faith, and my spirituality, I see it somewhat differently. I would hope and imagine there are some who worship here at Universal and have a firm faith in Jesus and also recognize different brands of the love that is God. I, personally, am willing to accept the Lord Jesus, but he is a Lord as proclaimed and he would likely have no issue with my also accepting Lord Buddha and Lord Krishna, for example.

Whom I frown upon are the more common human Lords like those found in the House of Lords in London or sitting as the face of human justice. It is such people I find more often unLordlike and shallow or even evil manipulators of force. They are mortals, humans beset with the foibles of most of the rest of us. It is such people who fancy themselves “lords” or make themselves so by force that cause so much trouble in the world. They are politicians, not religious people. Many religious people are also merely misguided humans, with foibles and faults and even evil.

Look no further than the currently (again) escalating wars between Jewish and Islamist states (not picking on those two religions, as most others have seen their fair share of war) as proof. The people responsible are not religious people, rather political people. They are certainly not spiritual people, in the way I understand spirituality to be. They cause misery and death.

That is why I admire this notion of a “Universal” church. That seems to me more spiritual than religious. It is definitely more spiritual than political. And, strangely, it is more human and humans, through faith, compassion, love, and inclusiveness, have more power than force.

No criticism whatsoever is intended toward this Universal church, as I love it like I love all the other places of worship I share through this blog. Have a look at their website: https://www.uckg.ca/

Heron Park Baptist

It may look a bit drab on its big patch of land in the city, but I like it. More certainly, those who worship here find it a joy. I have driven by around service times and it appears very well attended. It’s not the first Baptist Church in this series, which is also reflective of the history of Scarborough, especially in this part, and none is the least.

https://www.heronparkbc.ca

Spiritual Society

It’s an unfortunate lead-in here with the power pole and lines, but this place sits at an unfortunate junction of streets and electricity. The sad motel behind houses refugees and other unfortunate newcomers to the country. The mosque holds its own, though, and surely lights the way for many. I love the glint of sunlight shining from its spires!

As we move closer, it’s clear that construction is recent and detritus from the process is still evident. But the power lines again cannot detract from how God’s beauty sparkles more visibly in reflection. And God is surely any place that is called Spiritual Society.

I myself belong to a spiritual society. It is not of the particular faith denoted here nor any particular religion, sect, denomination, or creed. Mine is of a sort that is fluid and allows whatever works for the faithful to feel the spirit and let spirituality help them through dark times to find purpose and light. That is what makes me so open to and love all of these places I show/share.

My favourite shot here is from the side with the beautiful tree and a hydro pole and … another gleaming light!

Naturally, there’s a website for this place and what it means for those who do or may wish to worship here: http://www.spiritualsocietycanada.com/

Epiphany Lutheran

On a relatively large parcel of land sits this relatively small church. It looks good in the snow and the trees around it are a treat. It is nevertheless striking in how small it is in comparison to some other places of worship even in its immediate vicinity. I am certain that makes no difference whatsoever to the faithful who worship here.

Thankfully, it’s tucked away from the major road that passes by. And it’s clear that someone enjoys the grounds. The sheds show it’s cared for. The stained glass windows, displayed on two sides of the main building, suggest to me there’s the usual magic that happens here.

With any of these places, regardless of means, what’s most important is that it exists and it exists for a reason: to allow expressions of faith, prayer, hope, and love. With that in mind, this one’s small but mighty.

I like their website: http://www.epiphanylutheranchurch.ca/Home.html