Description: 

123 Church Street is a 3-storey Victorian building located on the east side of Church Street between Ditty Lane and Queen Street East. 123 Church Street was constructed in 1886/1887 and was later consolidated with 119 and 121 Church Street. 

The architect and/or builder of 121 Church Street is not known at present, however archival resources — presently inaccessible to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic-related closures — may be able to identify these parties.

Prior to 1890, 123 Church Street was known as 115 Church Street. 

First Occupant:

123 Church Street first housed D. & J. Sadlier & Company — manufacturers, publishers, and sellers of books and stationery. D. & J. Sadlier & Company was based at 123 Church Street from 1887/1888 until 1909/1910. D. & J. Sadlier & Company was an American company — founded by the Irish-American brothers Denis Sadlier and James Sadlier — that emerged in New York City during the 1830s. D. & J. Sadlier & Company expanded its operations across North America during the 19th and early 20th century and became particularly well-known for its Catholic publications. The company remained in control of the Sadlier family until it was sold in 1912.

Later Occupants and Uses: 

Circa 1910/1911 to 1922/1923:

In circa 1910/1911 to 1922/1923, 123 Church Street housed W. E. Blake & Son, a firm which produced and distributed church supplies.

Circa 1924/1925 & 1929/1930:

In circa 1924/1925 and 1929/1930, 123 Church Street housed Lip Yen's Chinese restaurant.

Circa 1939/1940:

In circa 1939/1940, 123 Church Street housed Wilcox Engineering — specialists in chrome materials. 

Circa 1949/1950:

In circa 1949/1950, 123 Church Street housed a branch of the Royal Chesterfield and Furniture Company. 

Circa late 1940s to early 1970s:

From the late 1940s until the early 1970s, the ground floor housed the Frankel Clothing Exchange. During this period, the upstairs housed the Canadian Theatre School (c. 1949/1950); Pegasus Film Ltd. (c. 1959/1960); and residential units (c. late 1960s). 

1975-2022:

Since 1975, 119-123 Church Street has housed the flagship location of Henry's — a Canadian chain of camera and photography stores. Henry's is planning to close this flagship location in the summer of 2022. 

(Research by Adam Wynne)