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The Many Rooms of This House
Diversity in Toronto's Places of Worship Since 1840

Roberto Perin (Author)

9781487500276

Hardback, published 26 April 2017

440 pages, 7 b&w maps, 14 b&w tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.8 cm, 0.76 kg

‘Historians and social scientists interested in the evolution of Canadian society, cities, urban geography, religious diversity, and multiculturalism will gain much from reading this important, well-written, and meticulously researched book.’

- David Seljack (Canadian Historical Review vol 99:01:2018)

Places of worship are the true building blocks of communities where people of various genders, age, and class interact with each other on a regular basis. These places are also rallying points for immigrants, helping them make the transition to a new, and often hostile environment.

The Many Rooms of this House is a story about the rise and decline of religion in Toronto over the past 160 years. Unlike other studies that concentrate on specific denominations, or ecclesiastical politics, Roberto Perin’s ecumenical approach focuses on the physical places of worship and the local clergy and congregants that gather there. Perin’s timely and nuanced analysis reveals how the growing wealth of the city stimulated congregations to compete with one another over the size, style, materials, and decoration of their places of worship. However, the rise of individualism has negatively affected these same congregations leading to multiple church closings, communal breakdown, and redevelopments. Perin’s fascinating work is a lens to understanding how this once overwhelmingly Protestant city became a symbol of diversity.

Tables
List of Illustrations
Introduction

Chapter 1: Consolidating Protestantism

Chapter 2: An Era of Exuberance, 1880-1920

Chapter 3: Fulsome Fellowship, 1880-1920

Chapter 4: Ecclesiastical Musical Chairs, 1920-1960

Chapter 5: The Empire of Full-Orbed Christianity, 1920-1960

Chapter 6: To Every Thing Turn! Turn! Turn! There is a Season, 1960-2000

Chapter 7: Fellowship in the Time of the Shopping Centre

Conclusion: Ex Uno Plures?

Appendix: West End Places of Worship 1840-2000

Bibliography

Index

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