Over a century ago, Toronto presented a very different picture.
According to the 1921 census, the city had a population of 521,000, more than double the 208,000 recorded a decade earlier. Despite its rapid growth, Toronto remained overwhelmingly White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. The same census found that over 60 percent of all Canadians were born in this country, while nearly 30 percent came from Britain.
Around that time, a Church of God was built to serve the neighbourhood on Barker Avenue in Toronto. Seventy years later, a new face of the city was emerging. Church attendance was declining, and the local Christian population was ageing. Church management was eager to sell but wanted to ensure the building remained a place of worship.
In 1998, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who had recently arrived in the city collected enough funds to purchase the church and convert it into a mosque called Bai’at ul Hanif.
The mosque was particularly blessed with a visit from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) on Thursday, June 24, 2004.
Huzoor-e-Anwar, Khalifatul Masih V (aba), visiting the Bai’at ul Hanif
Over the years, the structure of the building deteriorated and required repairs. In 2025, a building permit was issued to undertake a rebuilding of the mosque. On-site plans were reviewed, and a foundation stone date was confirmed.
The foundation stone ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025. Organizers humbly requested that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) provide a brick from Qadian as the foundation stone. Huzoor Anwar (aba) graciously approved the request, and a brick from Qadian was specially provided for the ceremony.
Kashif Danish Sahib, National Secretary, Properties holding the brick from Qadian
A list representing national, regional and local members was prepared to place ceremonial bricks. Additionally, longtime residents of the city and elders were invited to participate.
The ceremony was held with members reciting the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim (as) from the Holy Quran. “And remember the time when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House, praying, Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (2:128)
The first brick was laid by Lal Khan Malik sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada, followed by Missionary In-Charge Abdul Rashid Anwar sahib. Other members followed.
From right to left: Missionary In-Charge Abdul Rashid Anwar Sahib, Farhan Khokhar Sahib, Naeem Farooqi Sahib, Kashif Danish Sahib and Amir Jama’at Lal Khan Malik Sahib.
As silent prayers brought the ceremony to a close, the community looked ahead to the completion of the rebuilt mosque, which will continue to serve the neighbourhood at Barker Avenue for generations to come.
From right to left: Haleem Tayyab Sahib, Kareem Tahir Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Hadi Sahib, Kashif Danish Sahib, Abdul Rashid Anwar Sahib (Missionary In-charge), Farhatullah Shad Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Wadood Sahib & Naeem Farooqi Sahib
