Please help with your support! St. Peter’s Estonian Lutheran Church – Our Sacred Sanctuary

Dear St. Peter’s Estonian Lutheran Church members, former members, and everyone who loves our Church,

St. Peter’s Estonian Lutheran Church was designed by an Estonian architect and built through the cooperative efforts of Estonians who immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. It is unique from other well-known churches because it is not grand and ornate, but rather simple and comfortable. The building emanates warmth, and spiritually supports those that have sat in the wooden pews while gazing towards the colourful stained-glass windows. It is a place where we have shed tears of joy, as well as wept tears of sadness.

St. Peter’s is our firm and lasting sacred sanctuary. Over the years, it is the church where christenings, confirmations, weddings and final farewells of families, friends and community members have taken place. In the columbarium, we honour our fellow Estonians who now rest in peace. In addition, the church has hosted choirs and solo concerts as well as important community celebrations. What a tragedy if this were to disappear!

St. Peter’s has faced certain financial realities in recent years that finally brought about a resolution on September 27, 2020 to consider selling the church property and relocating our congregation. Your support can help to avert this difficult decision!

Covid-19 has brought further challenges in 2020 with greatly reduced church attendance, and, with that, sharp declines in member contributions. This led to the formation of a volunteer group whose goal is to help St. Peter’s balance its budget through an active fundraising program and rejuvenate our membership.

If St. Peter’s continues to be a part of you or your family’s life, please help our beloved church.

It would be a pleasure to see you at Sunday or holiday services at St. Peter’s. At the same time, especially with current restrictions, we understand your ongoing concerns about Covid-19 and respect the decision made by many of our members to not attend church services. If you are unable to attend services and make contributions in person, you can make a tax-deductible* donation as an expression of your support of St. Peter’s through one of the following methods (if possible, quoting your donation envelope number):

1. E-transfer to: stpeterstoronto@rogers.com

2. Direct transfer from your Northern Birch Credit Union (NBCU) account to St. Peter’s by calling 416-465-4659 or sending your instructions for transfer of funds to info@northernbirchcu.com

3. Cheque mailed to: St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 817 Mount Pleasant Rd. Toronto, ON M4P 2L1

* St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church: Charity Registration No. 85852 2489

Thank you and may God be with you.

VOLUNTEER WORKING GROUP TO PRESERVE ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Photo: Peeter Põldre