Fonds F4017 - Christian Education Council of Metropolitan Toronto fonds

Connected to provincial (Ontario Council for Christian Education) and national (Department of Christian Education, Canadian Council of Churches) parent bodies, the Toronto Religious Education Council (T.R.E.C.) administered Christian education programming to children and youth at the city level. Early ecumenical cooperation for Christian education first came about through the amalgamation of the Primary Teachers Union and the Sunday School Association that became known as the Toronto School of Religious Education Workers. In the 1930s, the Toronto Religious Education Council (T.R.E.C.) was formed as separate agencies for Boys’ Work, Girls’ Work, and Religious Education Workers joined together. In 1961, T.R.E.C. became known as the Christian Education Council of Metropolitan Toronto.

Community Vacation Church Schools (C.V.C.S.) also operated in Toronto for programming of young children since the start of the 20th century that began when churches would offer childcare and Christian teaching for children during the summer holiday period. In 1961, the Toronto C.V.C.S. becomes a branch of the Christian Education Council of Metropolitan Toronto. The C.V.C.S. was governed through an Area Council, of regional representatives, and a Board of Directors, made up of denominational representatives (Anglican, Christian Church (Disciples), Presbyterian, and United Churches as well as the Salvation Army). Additionally, the Area Council was also supported by Area Committees of members from across the GTA.