Bethany Chapel (Yorkdale)

In 1952 the area around what is now Yorkdale was considered to be isolated from the city. There was no public transportation north of Eglinton, no paved roads, no sidewalks, no evangelical church in the area -­ and no Yorkdale Mall! Into this environment Walter and Mary Ireland moved with their young family. Seeing lots of children in the neighbourhood, Mary went from door to door and invited them to come to Sunday School at her house and also to craft classes during the week. They came, and they brought their friends, and when there were no rooms, cubby­-holes or stairways left, it was agreed a building was needed.