Downtown Yonge East in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

St. Michael’s Cathedral

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

1. St. Michael’s Cathedral Marker

Inscription. The cornerstone of St. Michael's Cathedral was laid on May 8, 1845, by the Most Reverend Michael Power, first Catholic Bishop of Toronto. Designed by William Thomas, the building is an adaptation of the 14th century English Gothic style. It was consecrated on September 29, 1848. Though the transepts remain unfinished, St. Michael's adheres to the ancient cruciform shape of religious structures. The interior of the cathedral has undergone a number of transformations. The great chancel window, installed in 1858, was executed by Etienne Thevenot, a gifted French artist and was donated by Bishop de Charbonnel. Construction of the tower and spire began in 1867. St. Michael's is the principal church of Canada's largest English-speaking Catholic archdiocese.

Erected 1973 by Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 28, 1848.

Location. 43° 39.292′ N, 79° 22.656′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge East. It is at the intersection of Bond Street and Shuter Street, on the right on Bond

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Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 54 Bond Street, Toronto ON M5B M5B, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Michael’s Cathedral Rectory (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 (about 120 meters away); William Lyon Mackenzie (about 120 meters away); Mackenzie House (about 120 meters away); The Athenaeum Club (1891) (about 120 meters away); Massey Hall (about 120 meters away); Sir Ernest MacMillan (about 150 meters away); Cooper and Gillespie Houses (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Also see . . . History of the Cathedral (St. Michaels Cathedral Basilica). In 1842, the Diocese of Toronto included approximately 25,000 Catholics served by 19 priests. At that time, the 3,000 parishioners in the City of Toronto were administered at St. Paul’s, the only Catholic church in the municipality. Bishop Power quickly determined Toronto needed a new church building to serve as the Cathedral for the rapidly growing Catholic population. By 1845, he had bought land from Captain John McGill for the Cathedral. Bishop Power paid £1,800 for the property of which £500 came from his own funds and balance from collections

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

2. St. Michael’s Cathedral Marker

in the diocese. (Submitted on June 9, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

St. Michael’s Cathedral in 2026 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

3. St. Michael’s Cathedral in 2026

St. Michael’s Cathedral interior (facing east) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

4. St. Michael’s Cathedral interior (facing east)

St. Michael’s Cathedral interior (facing west) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 1, 2026

5. St. Michael’s Cathedral interior (facing west)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 9, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.