This new sculpture, entitled “When I Was a Stranger”, invites pedestrians to sit on bronze stools, joining the cloaked figure of Jesus Christ. 

Bloor near Church Street is now home to a unique art installation, created by Tim Schmalz of St. Jacob’s Ontario.  Schmalz is the artist behind the controversial “Homeless Jesus” installation as well as several prominent national war memorials.  This new sculpture, entitled “When I Was a Stranger”, invites pedestrians to sit on bronze stools, joining the cloaked figure of Jesus Christ. 

The bronze sculpture will be unveiled in front of the Anglican church of St. Paul’s Bloor Street on 13 Oct 2016. Bishop Peter Fenty will welcome this inspiring and interactive new installation by one of Ontario’s most gifted artists.

Just this spring, another of Schmalz’s sculptures entitled “Homeless Jesus” was unveiled at the Vatican by invitation of Pope Francis.

“We are living in a time of great worry and uncertainty, where folks are looking for some peace.  This sculpture captures what the Church is really all about—welcoming any who pass by to stop and sit for a while, and take a few minutes to ask questions about who this Jesus person really is,” stated the Rev. Canon Dr. Barry Parker, Rector, St. Paul’s Bloor Street

“‘When I Was a Stranger’ is a silent preacher, emphasizing that salvation comes from letting people in. The first cast of this work is installed in one of the oldest Churches in Rome, the Fifth Century San Lorenzo in Lucina, and it is wonderful to have the second cast in the heart of Toronto,” explained the artist. 

The Archbishop of Toronto, the Most Rev. Colin Johnson said: “St. Paul’s Bloor Street occupies a very prominent place in the centre of this great city of Toronto. The Gospel is as relevant today in 2016 as it was two thousand years ago and Jesus continues to invite all people to sit with him.”