The land on which the Seminary was built was previously that of farmer and Anglican Adna Pherrill (1816–1892).

Its construction was funded entirely by Eugene O'Keefe, a wealthy Toronto brewer and philanthropist who died months before its completion.

The Beaux-Arts architecture structure is topped off with a copper clad dome.

Within its own federation, University of Toronto granted all but theology or divinity degrees.

St. Augustine Seminary and Institute of Theology offer the following programs which combine spiritual formation, theological education and field training: St. Augustine Seminary provides residence for candidates to the priesthood.