Church transformed into mosque to serve growing Shia community in Canada

Amid growing Shia presence in Canada, the town of Thornton has seen the transformation of a former church into a mosque that serves the Muslim community. The site has become a religious and cultural center, bringing together the followers of Ahlulbayt, peace be upon him, in the region.

According to local sources, the Zainabia Community Center began leasing the Countryside United Church building in May 2024. The church had closed its doors the previous year due to declining attendance. Today, the site has gradually been converted into an active Islamic center, regularly welcoming more than 100 people, with a noticeable increase in numbers during religious occasions.

According to the center’s organizers, finding a permanent location was not easy, as the community faced challenges related to parking, congregation size, and the site’s impact on the surrounding residential area. However, the church building provided a suitable structure for conversion into an Islamic center, requiring only minor modifications.

Local reports indicate that this initiative is not just about providing a place of worship but also serves as a bridge that reflects cultural and religious diversity. The building’s walls now tell a story of change that reinforces shared human values.