The Diocesan Archives is relocating from Huron University College to a newly prepared space within St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown London. This move supports the long-term preservation of diocesan and parish records and places the Archives in the heart of our diocesan life.
After nearly fifty years at Huron University College, the Archives must vacate its current space, which is needed for the University’s expanding academic programs. At the same time, the Archives has outgrown its former location, making this an opportunity to improve preservation conditions and plan responsibly for the future.
Following careful exploration of many options, St. Paul’s Cathedral was identified as the most suitable location. It offers accessibility, proximity to Church House, and the ability to retrofit space to meet archival standards while remaining financially responsible.
Yes. Protecting parish records is a priority. All materials will be professionally packed, transported, and housed in a climate-controlled vault designed specifically for archival preservation.
The Archives will be renamed the Reverend Canon Dr. J. Douglas Leighton Archives in recognition of the Reverend Dr. Douglas Leighton who was a strong advocate for preserving diocesan records and was instrumental in gathering documents and artifacts, leading to the creation of an official Diocesan Archives.
No. Parish records cannot be accepted for deposit while the Archives is preparing for and carrying out the move to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Deposits are suspended during this period to allow staff to safely pack, relocate, and reinstall existing collections.
The Leighton Archives is expected to reopen in October 2026, following Synod. Once the Archives has reopened and normal operations resume, parishes will again be able to submit records for preservation. Further guidance will be shared closer to that time.
During the relocation period, parishes should continue to store records securely onsite. Records should be kept in a clean, dry, and stable environment, away from direct sunlight, moisture, pests, and extreme temperature changes. Materials should be stored off the floor and protected from potential water damage.
Yes. To ensure the safety of the collections and staff, all research and information services will be paused during the move.
The Archives’ current location at Huron University College closes permanently on April 30, with packing beginning on May 1. Archival services are unavailable throughout the relocation period while the new spaces are acclimatized, collections moved and reinstalled between June and August. The Leighton Archives is expected to reopen in October 2026, following Synod. The relocation timeline is available here.
Parishes planning to deposit records or request information are encouraged to do so before May 29 where possible. Otherwise, requests will be addressed once services resume.
Yes. The Cathedral partnership is intended as a long-term solution, allowing the Archives to grow responsibly while remaining closely connected to diocesan life.
Please direct questions to leightonarchives@huron.anglican.ca
Yes. Research and information services will be suspended during the relocation period to allow staff and contractors to safely pack, move, and install the collections. The timeline is available here.
Research and information services will be unavailable beginning May 29, when all queries are suspended to allow for packing and relocation. The Archives’ current location at Huron University College closes permanently on April 30, with packing commencing on May 1. Services will remain unavailable throughout the summer while the new spaces are acclimatized, collections moved and reinstalled in the new space at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Leighton Archives is expected to reopen in October 2026, following formal recognition at Synod.
Archival materials require careful handling, environmental stabilization, and precise installation. Time is also required for the new vault space to acclimatize before records are moved in, ensuring their long-term preservation.
The relocation is being carried out using professional archival standards. The new vault at the Cathedral will be retrofitted with systems to stabilize temperature and humidity, providing a secure environment for rare and irreplaceable materials.
Researchers are encouraged to submit any urgent requests before May 29, when research and information services are suspended. Ongoing updates about the Archives Relocation Project are shared monthly on the News section of the diocesan website.
Please contact the Archives team at leightonarchives@huron.anglican.ca