The Rev. Canon Cheryl C. Palmer

The Venerable Cheryl C. Palmer

On January 1st, 2018, The Venerable Cheryl Palmer began her incumbency as the Rector of Christ Church Deer Park in Mid-town Toronto.

Immediately prior to the commencement of that appointment she was the Director of Cemetery Ministries at the Anglican Church of St. John's Norway in the Beach for over five years. Most of Cheryl's ministry as parish priest was lived out as rector of St. Clement's Anglican Church in North Toronto for ten years, and Associate priest there for the six previous years. Cheryl's priestly ministry to the people of God has been in a number of interesting settings, including the Hospital for Sick Children, where she was the Anglican Chaplain, during which time she was an Honorary Assistant at Christ Church, Deer Park. She has also served as Associate Priest at St Stephen's, Downsview, and as Assistant Curate at St John's Church, Ancaster (Diocese of Niagara). Canon Palmer received her undergraduate degree from Queens University and her Masters of Divinity from Trinity College, University of Toronto.

In January 2023 she was appointed an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Toronto, a position she serves in while continuing to shepherd the congregation at Christ Church Deer Park.

Born in Jamaica, Canon Palmer moved to Canada with her family in 1975. Though she was ordained deacon (1985) and priest (1986) in the Diocese of Niagara, most of her priestly ministry has been served in the Diocese of Toronto. She is married to Danylo Dzwonyk.

Read More About The Venerable Cheryl C. Palmer

The Story behind our

Tracking Organ

Our magnificent three manual, tracker-action organ was installed in the chancel of the church in the spring of 1982 and dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of those who died in the First World War and the Second World War.

The organ, built by the Karl Wilhelm Company of Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, has a classical continental design. The case is made of white oak and the pipe shades are of carved butternut. Voiced in the classic French style, its 36 stops and 50 ranks are capable of interpreting a wide variety of organ literature.

Installation required considerable changes to the chancel including moving the altar forward and arranging choir seating to either side. These renovations prompted the design and production of our award-winning Benedicite Kneelers, done in needlepoint by a dedicated group of church members.