St. Edmund’s Anglican Church, Tobermory
36 Big Tub Road (end of Highway 6), Tobermory, Ontario
Rooted in Anglican tradition and surrounded by the beauty of Georgian Bay, St. Edmund’s has been a spiritual home for generations — and there’s always room for one more.
Service Times
SUMMER SERVICES: 10:00 a.m.
* Services from Victoria Day Holiday to Thanksgiving Weekend.
Winter SERVICES :2:00 p.m.
* Services after Thanksgiving Sunday to Sunday before Victoria Day Weekend.
Welcome to St. Edmund’s
At the very tip of the Bruce Peninsula, overlooking the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay, you’ll find St. Edmund’s Anglican Church — a place where generations of faith and fellowship meet the beauty of nature. Whether you live here year-round, visit each summer, or just happen to be passing through, we’re glad you’ve found us.
Our Beginnings
In the late 1950s, as Tobermory began to grow, so did the need for a local Anglican congregation. Under the guidance of The Right Rev. G.N. Luxton, Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, a survey was completed in 1958. That same year, Thomas Scott — who would become St. Edmund’s first rector — transformed a rented restaurant into a chapel, living in the quarters at the back. A bell was donated, and it’s said Alex Holmes once kicked it to call worshippers to service.
Built by Community
Construction of our beloved church, parish hall, and attached cottage began soon after. The first official service was held on May 22, 1960, and Bishop Luxton returned to dedicate St. Edmund’s on July 17, 1960. With generous support from both locals and donors afar, we received beautiful furnishings and even our first organ — many of which came from the recently closed Anglican Church in Purple Valley.
By June 13, 1971, the church was debt-free and consecrated by Bishop H.F. Appleyard. Ever since, this sacred space has stood as a beacon of faith and fellowship in Tobermory.
Worship in Beauty
With seating for around 70, St. Edmund’s offers an intimate, peaceful worship experience. We are blessed with an Allen Organ with Smart Recorder — meaning music continues throughout the year, even when our organist is away.
A visual treasure of our sanctuary is the reredos, a stunning mosaic created by Herschel Hamilton in memory of his father, The Rev. T.J. Hamilton — Tobermory’s first schoolmaster. The mosaic depicts Jesus calling a disciple to “Follow me” on the shores of Lake Galilee.
Women of Faith, Builders of Community
In 1960, Mrs. Nona Scott founded the Chancel Guild, whose members lovingly crafted our altar linens and hangings. By 1963, the Women’s Auxiliary (W.A.), led by Mrs. Eileen Ralph, was hard at work fundraising and furnishing the church and cottage — even making a quilt they hoped would raise $75 (though it sold for $25, the cost of the materials!).
Over the years, the group — now the Anglican Church Women (ACW) — has helped finish the church interior, tile the floors, and maintain the cottage. Their dedication is just one example of how our congregation shares the work and the joy of this community.
Milestones & Improvements
In 2005, the narthex was added, designed by Mike Barta, who also crafted much of the ecclesiastical furniture in both the narthex and chancel.
Our 50th Anniversary in 2009 was a joyful celebration, culminating in a special service led by Bishop Terry Dance. We were honoured that Eileen Ralph, our W.A. founding president, joined in the festivities.
Faith in Every Season
Our Parish Hall is in use all year long. We’re known for our outstanding volunteer spirit, deep care for one another, and heartfelt welcome to visitors.
Clergy who visit in summer enjoy staying in the attached cottage — a thoughtful addition by our founders that continues to bless us today.
Come Worship With Us
Whether you’re a tourist seeking a peaceful moment, a family looking for a local service, or a lifelong Anglican reconnecting with tradition — you are warmly welcome here.
Join us at the end of Highway 6 in Tobermory
Come as you are. There’s a seat for you at St. Edmund’s.
