The Property Committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of the church, from repairs to additions. What many people do not realize is how much goes on in this busy building of ours. It is fact, a hive of activity all week, not just on Sundays.
Our church building provides a vital link for many groups and individuals in the community. Many of the church spaces are rented out to a wide variety of organizations and groups. We not only provide them a space to meet but also a space to host events such as speakers, seminars, concerts, yard sales and clothing swaps to help raise awareness and much needed funds.
Did you know that a total of fifteen different twelve step groups meet here every week? These groups focus on addiction recovery and abstinence from five different substances or behaviours. Another support group that meets here once a month is Ask About Reunion. This group provides support for people who have been adopted, have adopted or have placed a child up for adoption.
Other community groups that meet here at Bloor Street include Africa Files, a group which promotes human rights and economic justice in Africa, Amnesty International, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the Christian Students Movement, The Association of Korean Congregations and the PAMOJA Foundation which provides microfinancing to groups and individuals trying to startup small business enterprises in Kenya.
Over 75 individuals, companies and ensembles involved in the performing arts use our spaces. It's not unusual to be sitting in a meeting while at the same time someone is singing or playing piano in a nearby room. You may also pass by McClure Hall during the week and see a yoga class, a children's ball game or some other fitness activity. There is even one couple who for years have rented McClure Hall to practice their ballroom dancing technique.
Our building provides an important community link for many people and groups. Something to think about as we enjoy our Sunday service.
To contact us, please send an email to Irene Hunter, chair of Property, at: property@bloorstreetunited.org .
Looking North
The Sanctuary
Light and airy, and featuring excellent acoustics, the Bloor Street United sactuary is a perfect venue for a wedding, concert, or any large gathering.
Performers can make use of the raised dias in the chancel, or the larger open area between the chancel and the front pews. There is seating capacity for over a thousand, of which 800 seats have an unobstructed view. The Narthex at the rear of the sanctuary provides a convient place for greeting, ticket selling, etc. It is situated only one block from the St. George subway station, and has two entrances right on Bloor Street.
The pipe organ, grand piano, overhead projector and sound system may be rented.
There is a special rate for weddings, $550, which includes 1.5 hours for the rehearsal & 4 hours for the ceremony
The South Window
Chancel with Cross & "High Anxiety" Sculpture
Looking Northwest
McClure Hall
McClure Hall, named after China missionary and former United Church Moderator, Bob McClure, is a comodious room, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and tall west-facing windows. There are attached washrooms, and there's the option to rent the adjacent full-sized church kitchen. Capacity is 200 standing, 150 seated, 100 at tables. Well suited for public meetings, banquets, receptions, dance classes, yoga, Tai Chi, and musical or dramatic rehearsals.
The adjacent kitchenette can be used for snack preparation for a small additional fee. Washrooms are just a few steps away on the same level.
Looking southwest
Sitting Area at South End
Looking Northwest
Upper Club Room
This handsome room, with its fireplace, hardwood floors and a cathedral ceiling, is ideally suited for small weddings, receptions, auditions, rehearsals, exercise classes, and meetings of up to 50 people. The large windows on the north wall provide natural lighting during the daytime, and a there is a piano for your use. The Upper Club Room is tucked away on the second floor, away from noise and interuption, although this does mean that it is not wheelchair accessible.
The adjacent kitchenette can be used for snack preparation for a small additional fee. Washrooms are just a few steps away on the same level.
Looking West
Looking South
Looking Northwest
The Music Room
This is the room where the Bloor Street Choir practices. It is simply furnished, but well lit by high north-facing windows, and is provided with a rehearsal piano. Suitable for auditions, rehearsals, club meetings, bridge parties, and the like.
Capacity is 50 seated, or 40 at tables. Access requires going up a half-flight of stairs.
Looking Northeast
Looking Southeast
Looking Northwest
The Lower CLub Room
The lower club room, deep in the "catacombs" beneath the sanctuary, is a colourful, casual meeting spot. A large stone pillar in the middle of the room makes it less than idea for large meetings, but the sofas and easy chairs make it a comfortable place for 10 to 20 to gather. There are extra tables and chairs for breakout sessions.
Capacity is 30 seated or at tables. Access is down a fairly steep flight of stairs. There are washrooms on the same level.
Looking Southwest
Looking Southeast
Looking Northwest
The McClure Kitchen
The McClure Kitchen, adjacent to McClure Hall, is clean, bright and spacious. With four gas ovens, two gas ranges (8 burners), two fridges, five sinks, and a commercial dishwasher, it's ready to serve up anything from a pancake breakfast to a full banquet. The centre island counter gives elbow room for up to ten cooks. Coffee maker, table settings, and basic cookware are provided.
You are expected to leave the kitchen as spotless for the next user as you would want to find it yourself. This includes removing any unused food and beverages, washing and putting away all dishes, and wiping down the counters.
Looking Southwest
Gas Range & Oven
