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In 1966, Padré Harding, the Rector of St. Peter’s Church on Brimley Road, approached Verne and Mary Hill and asked if
they could help start a music group in St. Peter’s to put on a musical evening to raise money to help furnish the
newly-completed church. In addition, the group’s purpose would be for fellowship for people with a love of music. The Hills
approached their friends Nan and Bill Bates (and also Nan’s brother John
Ricciardelli). Nan (now Nan Wells) was very
keen. She was also a member of St. Peter’s choir so it was decided that the choir would be a nucleus along with church
members and others including Verne and Mary. A committee was set up and the St. Peter’s Choral Society was formed.
Nan agreed to direct An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan, assisted by her brother John. He was an accompanist and since
has helped our society many times. Verne Hill was the producer of this first production as well as being a chorus member!
The first half of the evening consisted of solos and chorus work. After the intermission Trial By Jury was presented which runs
about 40 minutes, all music no dialogue. The show ran for two nights, May 12 and 13, 1966, and judged a success. They
continued to produce one show each for ten years in St. Peter’s church hall, using the upper hall for the practices and the
performances and the lower hall for dressing rooms and make-up.
The group, as well as performing, managed with help from many parishioners to convert the upper hall of what had been the
‘old’ church (built in 1953) by constructing a platform over what had been the sanctuary and chancel to create the stage. In
later years, they improved wiring and installed curtains. Thus began at least 36 years of G&S
performances! Stan Farrow’s Reminiscences pick up from 1972.
It is interesting that in 1968, there were five performances in St. Peter’s Hall to a total of 785 people (86.6% capacity). Ticket
prices were $1.50 for adults and $1 for students. Total revenue from ticket sales was $1,027.25 resulting in a net profit of
$488 of which a donation was made to the church of $450.
It became evident that more space was required than St. Peter’s could provide. As a result, the St. Peter’s Choral Society
moved to David and Mary Thomson Collegiate in 1976, then Laurier Collegiate in the Guildwood in 1983, and back to
Thomson in 1990 for the society’s 25th anniversary!
In 1993 the St. Peter’s Society became The Scarborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society after severing its formal ties to the church.
The society could not attract more customers and donations as a ‘church’ organization, so the step was taken with the support
of Padré Harding, its founding minister, and the church.
Webmaster's note: Of that original group of about 35 people, the only original member still with
the society is Verne Hill.
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