In 1797 the colonial government set aside land for the Church of England, and the present Cathedral is the fourth church to be erected on the site. Opening for services in 1853, St. James is the Cathedral Church for the Anglican Church of Canada, Diocese of Toronto.

It was in April 1849 that a fire started in some outbuildings near what is now the intersection of Jarvis and King Streets and spread to envelop the entire block. An ember hit the church tower, and St. James' Cathedral was completely destroyed.

It was the second time that it had been destroyed by fire in just ten years, and this time it was decided to hold an international competition to choose a new design. Frederic Cumberland was the winner, and last year we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening for services of that new Cathedral that has become such a landmark in this city.

Gothic Revival in style, the building that opened in 1853 did not have a tower and pinnacles to grace its roofline. Funds were tight, and it was not until 1875 that the tower was eventually completed, and bells and clock installed. That tower is the highest church tower in Canada, and today holds a peal of twelve bells unique in all of North America.