Our History

Serving the Hillcrest-Wychwood Community since 1907

St. Michael & All Angels began in a borrowed tent on August 4, 1907 with a sermon by The Reverend John Brain. On October 13, 1907 worship was moved to Heron’s Hall on Alcina Ave. Our current location was secured two years later, at 611 St Clair Avenue West. A basement was added, a heating system installed, and a wonderful church organ was donated to the parish. In 1912, the Rectory was built. We quickly outgrew the original building and on St. Michael’s Day 1915, the sod was turned for an expanded structure. One year later the new building was opened and dedicated. The basement was completed in 1927. Finishing touches were added along the way.

The church sanctuary is graced with a beautiful collection of stained glass windows which have been created and installed between 1940-1983. The majority of the stained glass windows were designed and created by Ellen Simon, Yvonne Williams, and Rosemary Killbourn. Further artist information and history of the St Michael's stained glass windows can be found here.

Our history of outreach dates back to our support of the troops during the World Wars. For further information on our outreach, click here.

Pictured left: St Michael & All Angels Church building in 1909 being moved to its current site on St Clair Ave West

Stained Glass at
St Michael & All Angels

St. Michael & All Angels church features 20 original stained glass works by artists Ellen Simon, Yvonne Williams, and Rosemary Killbourn, dating to 1940, and a window by the Bromsgrove Guild in England featured as well.

View our brand new Stained Glass Guided Tour booklet HERE

This tour booklet provides historical, liturgical, and artist background on each of the 20 beautiful stained glass windows featured in the St Michael's sanctuary.

"The People's Window"

This original stained glass window created by Ellen Simon is featured across St Michael's website and often seen on social media and other materials.

Titled "The People's Window", this piece shows nine different races and nationalities seated around a table, with children playing together overhead.

The text inscribed across the table is from the preamble to the Charter of the United Nations. It reads:

“We the peoples determined to save succeeding generations from the surge of war reaffirm faith in human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small."