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By the early 1900's a substantial number of Maltese families could be found living in downtown Toronto, in the vicinity of St. Patrick's Shrine Church and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at McCaul and Dundas Street West.. The facilities of these religious edifices were
used by the Maltese for their social and religious functions. An Augustine Friar, Father Alphonse Cauchi, used to visit the small Maltese community, especially during the Easter season and deliver the Missions at the church in Maltese. The Maltese born Father Cauchi instilled in the Maltese the idea of forming into a group, with its goal being the erection of a Maltese National Church.
A group of men inspired by Father Cauchi took it upon themselves to organize activities to help keep their Maltese heritage vibrant in Canada, but most of all to solicit funds for the future erection of a Maltese Catholic Church. These events also helped to keep the Maltese unified and to stimulate the small growing community in the area. It was in September, 1922, that these same men met in a house on Simcoe Street and founded the Maltese Society of Toronto (Canadian was added on at a later date.) These founders of the Society were:
Two or three other gentleman could be considered as co-founders, however, they were not present on that eventful day in 1922. In 1925, as a Maltese contingent, the Society participated in the procession of the Holy Name Society at St. Patrick's. Father A. Cauchi had been the first member, and ultimately became the Society's first spiritual director. Since 1927, the Society has been governed by a binding constitution. This may be one reason why it has lasted so long. It has always been a non-profit and charitable organization. The closest Catholic Church, which the few Maltese families used in the "Junction" was St. Cecilia's On Anette Street. There used to be an active Jewish community, the old Synagogue Kenesseth Israel is still on Maria Street. During the 1920's, with the funds collected, the founders and members of the Society were able to purchase a plot of land in West Toronto, in the "Junction", and with the aid of all the Maltese people, including the few families already living inn the "Junction" the first St. Paul the Apostle Maltese Church was literally built by the active Maltese community. The determination and dedication involved in the erection of the building during the depression is a story unto itself. However, in 1931 the basement Church of St,. Paul was completed. The histories of these two institutions were closely intertwined. For many years the Society was known as "il-Kazin tal Knisja" (the Church's club.) For a while, there were two Maltese communities in Toronto, the original one at McCaul and Dundas Street West, and the newer one at Gilmour and Dundas Street West. It was not until the mid-forties that the majority of the Maltese could be found in the Junction area. The facilities of St. Patrick's were still being used until the forties for some events in order to accommodate the "downtown" Maltese community. However, the main community was well established around St. Paul's Church, the hub of the community. In 1942, on the 20th Anniversary of the Society, Father Alphonse Cauchi, after a lengthy illness, passed away. He will always be remembered for his tireless work towards his community. Father Cauchi is buried at St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto. Due to the large influx of immigrants after the Second World War, a larger church was needed and the Maltese-Canadian SOciety of Toronto, through its members, played an integral role in the erection of the new church. The cornerstone was laid in 1955, and the church was completed in 1956. At this time. St. Paul's became a Parish. It was due largely to the deep involvement of the Society that the name of the club was engraved along with other benefactors on a large stone slab at the entrance to the Church. The club was also instrumental in the erection of the halls and convent, the former being completed in 1960. Many individuals question as to why the Society does not have its own premises. The main reason is that all of the money collected during the early history of the Society was directed towards St. Paul the Apostle Church. Father Lawrence Bonavia, a Franciscan Friar, will long be remembered as being the driving force behind the new St. Paul's Church building project. This good father is a life-time member of the Society. In 1934, when Toronto was celebrating its centenary, the float constructed by the Society members won first prize. The trophy may be viewed in St. Paul's Convent, at 32254 Dundas Street West, Toronto. Through the efforts of the M.C.S.T., money and supplies were collected for beleaguered Malta during the Second World War. Under the Presidency of Mr. Angelo Cutajar, thousands of dollars were collected from across Canada by the Society for Malta. The M.C.S.T. was in charge of the "Malta Relief Fund" in Canada. Through the fifties and sixties, the Maltese-Canadian Society of Toronto prospered, while at the same time the community had grown immensely. Many other Maltese clubs had been founded since 1962. Up until the mid-70's, the Society prospered and served the Maltese-Canadians endlessly. Its membership was able to acquire the rental of a spacious club. Until that time, members had met in their own homes. Some of the main events sponsored by the Society include:
Displays promoting Malta take place throughout the year and one is held yearly at Toronto's new City Hall. An immigrant aid center in the club serves the community as well as providing information about the facilities and services available in Toronto. The Society was originally responsible for organizing the Maltese Nation Day Celebrations in Toronto. This was undertaken by Kt. Cdr. President F. Savona. However, due to the the many other Maltese clubs in the community, a National Day Committee was established in 1974 so that all clubs may participate in the preparations for the celebrations. The Society is governed by an Executive Committee elected by its membership. All Committee members are volunteers. The Society also has a Life-Membership award, an honour bestowed upon members who have devoted hours of their time to the preservation of the organization. The M.C.S.T. is totally dependent on the proceeds from its main events and donations for its operating budget. It has received grants from the Federal and Provincial Government from time to time. The Society's main aim is to assist new emigrants in making the transition to their new home and life in Canada. The works of this benevolent organization were consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1969, during the presidency of Chev. J.R. Cordina. A momentous day for all Maltese in Canada, was the joyous celebration of the Society's 50th Anniversary in 1972. Thousands of Maltese-Canadians converged on West Toronto to view the spectacular and colourful parade celebrating the Society's anniversary. The majority of Maltese clubs participated in the event and a grant was presented. This occurred under the Presidency of Chev. Alfred Goggi, O.S.J. Information on the M.C.S.T. may be found in the Public Archives of Canada, the Ontario Archives and the Multicultural History Society of Ontario. Many influential individuals are supporters of this worthwhile organization. The M.C.S.T. went through some rough water during 1975 and 1976. However, in April of 1977 a new committee was elected and this new committee was responsible for re-establishing the Society to its former self. The Society hopes to one day have its own premises. The Society was incorporated in 1982. Along with the other Maltese organizations, the Society, which is the oldest Maltese Association in North America, is contributing to the aspirations and goals of all Canadians. The Maltese community now numbers approximately 8,000 to 10,000. |
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Last Updated: Saturday, February 17, 2001 © Copyright 1998-2002 Intiss. All Rights Reserved. |