Toronto, ON – Firefighters are currently battling a blaze at a church in Toronto that is home to a historic mural featuring the iconic Group of Seven artists.
The fire broke out at the St. John’s Norway Anglican Church on Kingston Road in the city’s east end on Tuesday afternoon. According to Toronto Fire Services, the fire started in the basement of the church and quickly spread to the main floor.
Crews arrived on the scene and immediately began working to contain the fire. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries.
The St. John’s Norway Anglican Church is known for its stunning mural, which was painted by Group of Seven member J.E.H. MacDonald in 1922. The mural depicts the landscape of the Scarborough Bluffs, a popular spot for the Group of Seven artists to paint.
The church has been a staple in the community for over 100 years and is a designated heritage site. The mural has been a source of pride for the church and the surrounding neighborhood.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and it is unclear at this time if the mural has been damaged. However, the church’s rector, Reverend David Harrison, remains hopeful that the mural can be saved.
“We are devastated by this fire, but our main concern is the safety of our community and the preservation of our historic mural,” said Reverend Harrison.
The St. John’s Norway Anglican Church has been a place of worship and community gathering for generations, and the loss of this historic building would be a significant blow to the community.
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, the community is coming together to support the church and its members. Local residents have been offering their support and prayers, and many have expressed their hope that the mural can be saved.
The St. John’s Norway Anglican Church and its historic mural hold a special place in the hearts of many, and the community is holding onto hope that this beloved landmark can be restored.
