Rev. Amanda Bisson, Minister
Amanda grew up on a pork farm just outside Mitchell, Ontario. After high school, she went to college in North Bay and graduated with a diploma in Mental Health and Addictions. Continuing her studies, she attended The University of Western Ontario and Graduated with her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology, Sociology and Aging Populations. It was during her time working in long term care that she decided to enter seminary at Knox College in Toronto. Amanda was ordained in 2014 and served in the Pastoral Charge of Rockwood and Eden Mills before starting at Knox, Goderich in 2018.
Deborah Bailey – Director of Music
I grew up in an environment rich with music in the home, in the choir lofts, in school. Singing, playing the piano and listening to music were part of the very positive everyday elements of my growing up.
I started studying piano when I began elementary school, first with a local teacher in Brigden, then as an ‘outsider’ at a convent in Belleville. I began accompanying vocal groups at school and at church when I was 12 years old. Piano practice, lessons, exams, recitals, singing in choirs and accompanying were a very happy part of everyday life.
As an adult I began studying at The Western Conservatory of Music where I completed pedagogy studies as well as the required theory and harmony courses for Associate level. I taught piano full-time in Hensall and Exeter for several years. I took on the position of Director of Music at Hensall United in 1986 and began teaching myself to play the organ as well as developing thriving junior, youth and senior choirs. I accepted an invitation from Exeter United to develop and work with a junior choir and to work with Director of Music Dr. Ralph Topp.
I moved to Seaforth in 1996 and continued to teach piano part-time as well as take on positions at St. Thomas’ Anglican, First Presbyterian and Northside United. In 2008 I began to develop a small community choir. Huronsong Chorus has grown from 12 singers to more than 60 singers at present.
I moved to Goderich in 2022 and began my position as Director of Music at Knox Presbyterian in September of that year. The beautiful facilities and the supportive team at Knox make this a very comfortable and rewarding fit for me. I continue to direct Huronsong Chorus.
I am full of gratitude for the music that is a constant joy in my life. ‘My life goes on in endless song: how can I keep from Singing?’
Deb Bell, Treasurer
Deb joined Knox Goderich as Treasurer in December 2020. Deb was born and raised in Toronto. In 1989 she and her husband moved to the peaceful town of Goderich to raise a family. She has worked in various offices over the past 35 years and currently office manager of RAM Lining Systems Inc.
Arleen Hazlitt, Secretary
Arleen became our church Secretary back in November of 2023. She was born and raised in Toronto and completed her schooling in Toronto and then went to work for Kodak Canada on Weston Rd for 7 years. She was in data entry and film developing. She eventually moved to Kitchener and raised her family while staying at home with them. For the past 22 years she worked for the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society in reception where she worked with the public and the adoption of the animals. She also dispatched the Officers, worked on cases, arranged cremations and burials, as well as answered phones. Arleen enjoyed working with the public and meeting new people. Arleen remarried in December 2021 to Gary her wonderful husband and they both retired from their jobs in May of 2022. They sold their house in Kitchener and moved up to beautiful Bayfield in June of 2022. They love the community feeling, the country scenery, and all the Pine Trees. Arleen has 4 wonderful grown children, 1 boy and 3 girls and Gary has 1 daughter and 2 sons and 10 grandchildren and she says “Our house is always full of love and laughter.” In Arleen’s spare time, when
not spending it with the family, enjoys gardening, reading, walking and attending events in her community. Arleen was brought up as a Christian and believes that to live a good life means helping others as much as one can, especially if they are fortunate enough in their own lives.
Brenda Shea, Custodian
Brenda was born in London, ON and has had a Presbyterian background since birth. Her maternal grandparents and her parents attended Hamilton Road Presbyterian where her grandfather was a custodian!
Brenda attended and graduated Clarke Road SS and Western University. Summers growing up were spent at the cottage at Bluewater Beach and at Knox Sunday School. Brenda was married at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church and their 3 children were baptized Presbyterian.
Goderich became home in October 2015. Brenda joined Knox as a Member and is active as an Elder, member of the Finance and Property Committee, the Covid Committee and Custodian.