St. Mary's Polish Church Building and Architecture

Members from St. Michael's Benefit Society met at the Wojick house on the corner of Jamieson and Brow street (the location of the former Bonneyview Hotel) to plan the building of the church. Renovations on the church began in 2013, which continued through to November 2014, when the church was destroyed by a fire. Plans to rebuild the church were announced on May 3, 2015.


St. Mary's Polish Church Construction
St. Mary's Polish Church Construction
Although the church was first opened by the late Archbishop James Morrison as a covered basement, fundraising went on until the contract to draw up plans and construct the upper church were formed years later. Members of the Polish community helped throughout the original construction of the church as carpenters, plasterers, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians and other artisans. The excavation for the basement of the church was dug by hand. On Sept. 8, 1913, the cornerstone of the Polish Church of the Nativity of St. Mary was blessed. Work on the church, named the "Parish Church of the Nativity of St. Mary", continued until its completion in 1918, during the pastorate of Rev. C. Grzybala.
St. Mary's Polish Church Donations
St. Mary's Polish Church Donations
The original construction, renovations, furnishing, and rebuilding of the church was made possible through donations and support from Polish community members and many others.
St. Mary's Polish Church Reconstruction
St. Mary's Polish Church Reconstruction
The original structure of the church was destroyed on November 29, 2014. Plans to rebuild the church were announced on May 3, 2015, at St. Michael's Polish Benefit Society Hall, and were designed by architect Gary Handley.
St. Mary's Polish Church Renovations
St. Mary's Polish Church Renovations
As a provincially registered building under the Heritage Property Act, the church has undergone a few renovations over the years, as well as regular maintenance and care.