By 1914, at the end of the first large wave of non-British immigration to Toronto, many Catholics had arrived in the city and the population was considered sufficient for a second parish near Parkdale on Roncesvalles Ave[1] which was developing as a commercial heart of the Howard Park neighbourhood.

Designed by Mr James Michael Cowan, the plans adopted elements from the Madeleine in Paris, France, but adapted to local circumstances and financial resources.

The sod was turned by Fr Minehan on April 28 of 15 with Archbishop McNeil blessing the cornerstone on August 15 and dedicating the original basement church on October 24 of the same year.

Due to the First World War and the accompanying financial hardships, the basement church would serve the social and religious needs of the parish for the next seven years.

As a sign of gratitude to the great leadership of Monsignor Kirby, the newly renovated hall below the church was dedicated to him.

Father Joe Driscoll was pastor until the Oblates of Mary Immaculate were asked to take the parish in 1985 and at the same time use the facilities to minister to the Native Peoples in Toronto.

Father Driscoll was a person of great hospitality and during his pastorate welcomed the Maronite Catholics and priests into the parish from 1979 to 1983.

The site was poorly chosen for this as few native Canadians lived in the area and this work is now carried out at St. Anne's Parish in the Riverdale neighbourhood.