Fire In Historic St. James Cathedral Quickly Put Out
Posted November 14, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
One of Toronto’s most famous landmarks had a scare Friday night, after a fire broke out around 7pm at St. James Cathedral on Church St. near King. The flames apparently started at the altar, but were quickly extinguished leaving only minor water damage behind when the sprinkler systems went off.
It’s not known how it started.
St. James is Toronto’s oldest and most historic church and at one time was the highest building in the city. The first version was built in 1807, before the creation of Canada. It goes back so far into the past that it was actually used as a hospital in the War of 1812 and plundered by American troops.
The holy site has suffered damage from fire before – the first time 1839, the second in 1849. The church we know today was rebuilt and opened for services in 1853. It’s since been declared a heritage property by Ontario and the city.
Photo courtesy: St. James Cathedral website
