Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto

Built in 1847, the Church of the Holy Trinity boasts a subtle yet resolute Gothic structure. Designed by Henry Lane, the Church was constructed by John Harper. Limestone from the Humber Valley and sandstone from Ohio was used for the construction of this building.

The Church was built in retaliation to the practices that were followed by established churches during those times. Churches throughout England and Toronto came up with a rule to charge a certain fee for reserving pews, which made it impossible for the poor to attend to. The Church of Holy Trinity was thus erected to provide a place of worship for one and all without any bench fee. The Church was completed on a budget of £5000 which was donated by Mary Lambert Swale of Settle, England, who supported the cause. Swale had originally made the donation anonymously, but her name was eventually revealed.

The church's Gothic Revival design is evident in the materials and elements of the building. This style emphasizes verticality and light, which is achieved through the use of tall stained glass windows and twin turrets outlining the main entrance of the church. Like many Gothic churches, the Church of the Holy Trinity uses limestone for its foundation and window tracery, as well as sandstone, brick, and wood. This church follows the Gothic church characteristic of a cruciform in plan.

The pointed arch is repeated throughout the whole building, present in the doors, windows, and Gothic vault. The stained glass windows are translucent and allow daylight into the church, each with its own unique design. Together, the variety of window designs speaks about the Bible and the history of the building.