The Anglican parish of St. Simon-the-Apostle was founded in 1883 to serve the expanding Rosedale community. The congregation first worshipped in the chapel of St. James-the-Less, Parliament Street, until this church, by architects Strickland and Symons, was completed in 1887. Five years later it was enlarged to twice its original capacity. The parish hall and first rectory, designed by architect Eden Smith, were built in 1906. St. Simon's church has served as spiritual home to many Torontonians, and its choir of men and boys has long been renowned for its excellence.