JOHN COOK

Plaque mounted on the Church of the Holy Trinity, East of Bay St., just north of Queen St West, Toronto

A striking memorial plaque to John Cook, stonemason, is mounted next to the main doors of Holy Trinity Church. John Cook met his death during reconstruction of the church in 1978. The stone reflects the debt felt by the congregation to those who laboured to preserve the church.
This historic church, built in 1846-47, almost met the wreckers' hammer when corporate Bay Street launched encircling high towers and began reconstruction of the Eaton Centre. The church had a long tradition of progressive work in the area, hosting discussion and action on world peace, environmental stability and other issues and providing space for theatre productions. The church congregation was joined by the community in vigorously opposing the plans for demolition. Church reconstruction was made possible by compensation won during the battle for its preservation.