The most egregious lie about our community is that we are disappearing, writes Reet Marten Sehr on social media. At the same time, St. Peter’s church has seen its attendance to plummet to no more 8 – 10 parishioners in church on any given Sunday. We should separate fact from rumour and conspiracy theories, says Ms Sehr in her post. Much has been written over the past few years about the future of St. Peter’s church, some of which is factual and some which is based on rumour, conspiracy theories and lies. As elsewhere, disinformation, lies, entrenched positions and an inability or unwillingness to separate fact from fiction have permeated the Estonian Canadian (Toronto) community over the past few years. Historically, there have always been divisions and those who stoke them, intentionally or out of ignorance. These divisions only serve those who wish to divide and see our community diminished.
When our parents and grandparents arrived in post-war Canada, they brought with them the culture and customs of pre-war Estonia and immediately set up organizations and events to continue these traditions. Later, as the community generated wealth, they came together to purchase, build, and rebuild physical spaces for the purpose of having a place to congregate. It was imperative that Estonian culture be kept alive until the day that Estonia became free.
I have been a member of St. Peter’s church, since our family arrived in Canada. Over the years, the church has played a significant role in my life. My father, Edgar Marten served on the board for decades and was chair of the board. My parents are buried in the columbarium. I have been an elder and on the board for over 30 years. I attended Sunday school and was confirmed and married at St. Peter’s. My children were christened, and one was married there.
After retiring as a school principal, I worked part-time in the church office, providing administrative support. During this time, I became very familiar with the multiple challenges the church has been facing for decades. Listed are but a few.
FACT:
• The church copper roof has numerous leaks and an unaffordable substantial replacement cost
• HVAC and AC are 50+ years old
• The bell tower cross was knocked loose in the wind many years ago, removed due to safety concerns and has not been replaced because the congregation couldn’t raise $75,000 in a multi-year fundraising effort
• The electrical system is out of date
• The organ needs a major overhaul
• Donations have been on a downward trend for years and don’t come close to covering costs, which are approximately $200,000 plus per annum
• The church will be bankrupt in 2 – 3 years
• There will be no money to maintain a congregation, if the church building isn’t sold
On April 21st, Eesti Elu published a “correction” to statements in an article written by Alja Pirosok about St. Peter’s titled, “St. Peter’s Church Disappeared as it never existed or preserved for generations to come?” (March 31st edition). The Board of Directors of VEMU/Estonian Museum Canada point out “an error” in reference to them and David Kalm cites inaccurate statements and asks for a retraction. The Estonian National Foundation (Sihtkapital) is also submitting a correction re misinformation in the Pirosok article.
On April 24th, as a presenter at The Toronto Preservation Board committee meeting re heritage registration for St. Peter’s Estonian Church, I witnessed two other presenters from our community provide questionable comments about the church executive and congregation, including that St. Peter’s church is the cultural center of the Toronto Estonian community, which would disappear should the building be sold. This necessitated a rebuttal. The false information was also apparent to Preservation Board committee members who are familiar with the Toronto Estonian community, Tartu College, and the International Estonian Centre build.
Historically, Estonian clergy played a significant role in national awakening in the 1800’s and churches were central convening places. It was natural that in the late 1940’s and early 50’s, our forefathers gathered in churches in Toronto for religious and in some cases, cultural activities. Many congregations were established around this time. Originally, all rented space in established Toronto churches and some continued this practice. St. Peter’s church building opened in 1955 and had a flourishing congregation of thousands.
Times change. Our Estonian community is not what is was in the 1950’s or even the 80’s. Society as a whole has secularized. On average, St. Peter’s has 8 – 10 parishioners (mostly trustees) in church on any given Sunday. Many of us attended Sunday school and church every Sunday as child. How many of our children attend church today? Our children marry into different faiths, become agnostic and atheist. They move out of the Toronto region. They take their children to recreational activities on Sundays.
These same young people also volunteer in our organizations and bring their children. Certainly not in the same numbers as 50 years ago. Keeping a community going and thriving is hard work especially for ensuing generations. Our community’s strength, vibrancy and future are reflected in these volunteers, who assume leadership roles in our established organizations, and create a positive vision for the future in new and innovative ways.
The most egregious lie about our community is that we are disappearing – that if a building is sold, our community will disappear. One needs to look at our summer camps, which are thriving after a long dispiriting COVID shutdown, at our Estonian language schools, at Toronto Eesti Lasteaed, which was started up again in January by a dedicated group of parents and volunteers, at guides and scouts, at our choirs, folk dance, Tartu College/VEMU etc. with apologies to anyone not mentioned. One needs to look at what’s happening in the Hamilton region, in Vancouver, Alberta, Ottawa, Collingwood and Montreal, which has a new and revitalized Estonian Society.
YES, and one needs to look at the KESKUS project. Our small 3rd generation diaspora community deserves recognition for imagining the possibility of a new international centre, creating the vision, and showing the determination and grit that is needed to get it done.
Our community has been divided since the sale of the Estonian House, which together with Tartu College has been the cultural centre of our community. There is no doubt in the minds of many, that the current turmoil around St. Peter’s is a “proxy war” for the Estonian House and KESKUS conflict. Both situations, have wreaked havoc with our valuable volunteer resources.
FACT:
• If sold, the congregation AND NO ONE ELSE will decide the disbursement of assets
• If sold, St. Peter’s can rent space in another church building as Vana Andres is already doing.
• If sold, rental costs would require a fraction of disbursed funds from a sale.
In my opinion: If sold, the congregation should donate remaining funds to our numerous charitable organizations, with a focus on youth, thereby ensuring a long-lasting legacy for the church founders whose primary goal was sustaining Estonian culture in Canada.
I love the church building. I don’t believe there is a congregant of St. Peter’s who doesn’t.
I cherish the congregation, our organizations and community more.
Are we all prepared to sort fact from fiction?
Are we all prepared to engage in serious self-reflection?
