In 1979 a group of Anglicans in the Villages of Heart Lake requested the Brampton area clergy to take turns presiding at services for their fledgling community. Mid-week services were celebrated in this way until the Archbishop appointed the Reverend David Neelands of Trinity College, Toronto to preside on Sundays. He celebrated the Sunday Eucharist with the Anglican Community at Heart Lake for some six months from Advent 1980 until after Easter the following year. During this time the community moved its celebrations from local schools to a bungalow and portable on the 1.3 acre site, purchased by the Diocese of Toronto on Kennedy Road North, where the church stands today.

By 1981, Heart Lake had 'proven itself'. The mission was formally established as a parish of the Diocese of Toronto, and Area Bishop Tonks named it in honour of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, The Holy Family. Shortly thereafter, a rectory was purchased, and the Rev'd Philip Rosewell was appointed the first full time Priest-in-charge (June '81). The ministries of the parish continued to expand spiritually, liturgically and educationally.

1984 was a time of transition for Holy Family. Fr. David Brinton became our full-time priest. With Fr. David now caring for the parish, we entered another phase of growth. With the agreement of the Diocese and a generous gift from Anglicans in Mission, the parish was able to commission the construction of the beautiful building now standing on Kennedy Road. It was an exciting and challenging time - many parishioners felt the joy and excitement of contributing directly by their labour, their prayers and their money to the building of a spiritual home for themselves and their children - and for generations of Anglican Christians in Heart Lake yet to come.

In 1989 we celebrated our tenth year as a community in Heart Lake, and a significant programme of planning and financial development was undertaken. Through the Faith in Action programme, Holy Family made a significant commitment to the life and work of the Diocese of Toronto and our own ministry.

In 1991, the Rev'd Greg Kerr-Wilson began his incumbency at Holy Family. With the rapidly increasing teenage population in Heart Lake, the parish embraced a vibrant youth ministry programme, as two youth groups, the Apostles' Club and the Church School, gave many young people a role in the life of the parish. A rich musical tradition, lay participation in the liturgies, and opportunities for adult education have allowed many to grow spiritually and to carry out ministries in the parish.

In 1998, "Father Greg" left Holy Family in response to a call to become the Dean of the Cathedral in Edmonton. The Rev'd Dr. Dana Johnston joined us as our Interim Priest as we undertook the search for a new full-time incumbent.

"Mother Dana" remained with Holy Family for one year. Although only 1/2 time, she contributed immensely to our parish, and was extremely helpful during our period of transition. Dana won't be forgotten quickly! Her energy, enthusiasm and love of life & God motivated and inspired us.

In September of 1999, The Rev'd Carol Langley joined 'the family at Holy Family'. Prior to joining the family of Holy Family, Carol served as Priest Associate at St. John's, York Mills. Previously, Carol held a number of financial and administrative positions before starting on her university work. She earned her M. Div. at Trinity College in 1989, was ordained Deacon in 1990 and Priest in 1991. Her experience in the Priesthood includes serving as Assistant Curate at St. James Cathedral and as Priest-in-Charge at Cookstown, before she went to St. John's. Before starting on her university studies Carol had been active in lay ministry as a lay reader and as a coordinator and facilitator of retreats and Bible study groups. Her other ministerial interests include storytelling the Gospel, pilgrimage and travel, working with children, spiritual direction and women's spirituality. Her recreational interests are widely spread: she enjoys thrillers, classical music, knitting and walking a large golden retriever, now departed.

2005 marked our 25th Anniversary year.