Toronto's Welsh church hits 100

Gwenfair Michael
BBC Wales

The bulk of the church's services were in Welsh until the 1930s

The only remaining Welsh language church in Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday.

Dewi Sant Church in Toronto, Ontario, is believed to be one of the few churches in North America still holding regular services in Welsh.

Eisteddfods, folk dancing and banquets are being organised throughout the year to mark the centenary.

The church was set up in 1907 by two Welshmen - one from Anglesey and one from Denbighshire.

Dewi Sant, which has more than 100 regular worshippers, holds a Welsh language service on the first Sunday evening of every month.

Two years ago, Reverend Deian Evans emigrated from Criccieth in Gwynedd, to become the church's minister.

Dewi Sant Church is celebrating 100 years and that's a long time for Canada Mike Colle, Ontario's Citizenship and Immigration Minister

"It's a very lively church, we have a ladies singing group, a choir, bible study, Welsh classes for learners, Sunday school and a lot of charitable events," said Rev Evans.

"The Welsh connection is strongest on Sunday, but the atmosphere from a social side is very much Welsh in its hwyl.

"I think the atmosphere as well as the language makes it very Welsh."

The church's contribution to the local community has been honoured by the provincial government.

Reverend Evans moved from Gwynedd to take over at the church

Mike Colle, Ontario's Citizenship and Immigration Minister, said Dewi Sant's 100-year celebration was "a very special occasion".

"The Welsh are one of the founding peoples of this great province with their sacrifice, their ingenuity - they brought their rich heritage here to us," he said.

"In Ontario, we have over 200 different languages, but I think the Welsh have a very special place because they're one of our original... foundation stones.

"Many of our groups have only been here 20 to 40 years, but Dewi Sant Church is celebrating 100 years and that's a long time for Canada."

On St David's Day earlier this year, the Welsh flag was raised above Toronto City Hall as a tribute to the Welsh community and the city's own Welsh Male Voice choir also sang at the Provincial Parliament.

The church's main celebrations will be in October and organisers expect many visitors to come over from Wales.