History

Uxbridge's Foster Memorial celebrates 75 years of the Thomas Foster Memorial set for October 22 and 23. The celebration will include tours of the crypt and musical entertainment, as well as the auction. October 18, 2011 Celia Klemenz / Metroland
UXBRIDGE -- It was more than 75 years ago that Thomas Foster's vision to build a memorial temple became a reality.
This weekend residents will get a chance to celebrate the anniversary of Uxbridge's most stunning landmark.
Festivities kick off Saturday, Oct. 22 when original chairs from the CBC Theatre in Toronto will be auctioned off. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 23 starting at 1p.m. there will be guided tours of the Foster Memorial's three crypts followed by a concert from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Thomas Foster was born near Toronto and raised in what was then known as Scott Township, just north of Uxbridge. He first worked as a butcher in Toronto's Cabbage town, was elected to the House of Commons representing East York and served as mayor of Toronto from 1925 to 1927. He made a considerable fortune buying and selling real estate, a chunk of which went into building the memorial.
Built in 1936 at a cost of more than $200,000, the memorial contains crypts for Mr. Foster, his wife and daughter.
He drew inspiration for the memorial from the Taj Mahal during a trip to India in the late 1920s. The final design also incorporated Byzantine architecture and includes four arches supported by marble columns, depictions of the Apostles and Gospel writers as well as terrazzo and marble mosaic floors.
The Foster Memorial is located at 9449 Durham Road 1, about four kilometres north of Uxbridge. Admission is by donation at the door, but seating is limited. There will also be free draws taking place during the anniversary celebrations.
For more information visit, http://www.fostermemorial.com/ or call 905-640-3966