the church grew greatly in size in the 1940s and 1950s as an influx of immigrants arrived in the area. the congregation was so large that on several occasions massey hall was rented to hold some services. it was decided to renovate the church, however, in 1954 as these were nearing completion a fire broke out and the church was badly damaged and most of the sanctuary destroyed. money was quickly raised to rebuild the church and in the interim the congregation met at nearby churches and convocation hall.