Construction of Rosedale United Church, originally known as the Northern Congregational Church until 1925, was completed in 1913. Situated at the corner of 159 Roxborough Drive and Glen Road, the church was designed by architect John Gemmell in the Gothic Revival style.
The architecture embodies the dramatic verticality and intricate detailing characteristic of this architectural tradition. Inside the sanctuary, its pointed arches and vaulted ceilings draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height and grandeur. The tall, pitched roof and elegant sanctuary arches emphasize the church's verticality and the vibrant stained glass windows fill the space with colourful, ethereal light, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere. Together, these features make the Rosedale United Church an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture.
The Gothic Revival sanctuary also showcases architectural wisdom that enhances the acoustics, allowing the Canadian-designed and manufactured Casavant Opus 591 pipe organ to emit rich, resonant tones that fill the space with a majestic and immersive sound. Built in 1914, the organ underwent revisions and additions in 2005, including a new console. Today, the organ boasts 35 stops and 44 ranks, for a total of 2,637 pipes.
In addition to the sanctuary, the building offers three levels of community space, fully accessible by a lift. The spaces are not only used by the church’s congregation, but under the secular brand of The Rosedale Centre, the community has access to music, arts and wellness programs, reception rooms for family events, an art gallery that features local artists, and a recycled book room that supports community outreach initiatives.
Originally purchased in 1914, our organ has filled the sanctuary with music for more than a century. Upgraded in 2003 to enhance its power and versatility, this mighty instrument now boasts 2,637 pipes, each producing a single pitch—ranging in length from 16 feet to just 2 inches. Larger pipes create the deep, resonant tones, while the smaller ones bring bright, higher sounds, together forming a breathtaking range of voices. The 3-manual console, or three keyboards, gives the organist immense control and flexibility, unlocking infinite musical possibilities. Crafted with character, the pipes are grouped into families and built from both wood and metal, producing unique timbres and textures. Using electro-pneumatic action, electrical signals trigger airflow that brings each pipe to life, blending art, science, and sound in remarkable harmony.
What the eye doesn’t see is just as impressive as what the ear hears. Beyond the console and pipes lies a hidden network of wind blowers, handmade leather seals, wooden wind chests, electric wiring, digital controls, internal switches, and the pedalboard. Maintaining this intricate system requires extraordinary skill: each of the 2,600+ pipes must be individually adjusted by expert tuners, trained in rare apprenticeships that combine woodworking, leather care, windline maintenance, electronics, and the fine art of voicing. Pitch is influenced by temperature, material, and design, and the organist works closely with tuners to monitor and correct variations. Today, only a handful of these master craftsmen remain in Canada. Built by Casavant Frères—Canada’s legendary organ builders, celebrated even in a Canadian Heritage Moment—this instrument is both a national treasure and a globally recognized masterpiece, part of a legacy of world-class organs found in prestigious venues across the globe.
Come Inside!
Step inside our Gothic Revival sanctuary and you’ll feel its dramatic beauty. Towering arches, a tall pitched roof, and luminous stained-glass windows create a sacred atmosphere. At the heart of the space is our Casavant Opus 591 pipe organ, first built in 1914 and expanded in 2005, with more than 2,600 pipes filling the sanctuary with resonant sound. Every detail invites both reverence and wonder.
