Ewart’s Principals Honoured
On August 22, alumnae representing graduating classes from as early as 1940 gathered on the lawn of the south quad at Knox College, Toronto. There, a bronze plaque was unveiled, detailing the college’s history and leaders. It includes the name of Dr. Margaret Webster, the longest standing principal, who served from 1958 until Ewart’s amalgamation with Knox College in 1991. —with files from Knox College
Presbytery Critiques Pipelines
Adding their voice to a chorus of dissent, the Presbytery of Westminster expressed concerns about the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project.
In a June 9 letter to the federal government, the presbytery suggested there is “overwhelming evidence the government of Canada has already made up its mind about the safety of these projects, and is arranging things so that nothing stands in the way of the development of the oil sands and the approval of these pipelines.”
The estimated $6-billion project would transport crude oil 1,172 kilometres in twin pipelines from northern Alberta to the coast of British Columbia.
More than 100 First Nations from B.C., Alberta and the Northwest Territories have signed a declaration opposing the pipelines, stating the project poses “a grave threat” to their land. Joining them in opposition are the United Church of Canada, the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster and Kairos, an ecumenical social justice group whose membership includes the PCC.
Janette McIntosh, convener of the presbytery’s Social Justice Action Committee, said the primary intent of the letter is not to condemn the pipelines themselves.
“It’s the integrity of the process we’re concerned about,” said McIntosh. “Review and reflection has been shortcut.” —Seth Veenstra
First Elders Commissioned to Administer Communion
The Cariboo house church ministry and the Presbytery of Kamloops have commissioned the church’s first lay missionaries to preside over the sacrament of communion.
Two ruling elders, Bruce Wilcox and Ginny-Lou Alexander, were commissioned in late August under a church policy passed by the General Assembly in June.
The assembly made it possible for ruling elders and diaconical ministers to administer the sacrament of communion if they have been trained and commissioned by their presbyteries. Wilcox and Alexander had already undergone training on administering communion and began fulfilling their ministry immediately, said Rev. David Webber, one of three ministers in the Cariboo.
The Cariboo ministry consists of 15 house churches in the Cariboo-Chilcotin area of British Columbia. This change to church law has provided a practical solution to the needs of congregations, Webber said. “We are a congregation spread across 8,000 square kilometres. Imagine a church that’s nothing like your congregation: no single location, scattered across a wide area, 14 or 15 house churches with three teaching elders. [The new policy] fills a very practical need.”
The new policy limits the commission to a specific pastoral charge and requires the presbytery to review it every two years. The Cariboo-Chilcotin area is considered one pastoral congregation consisting of many house churches; Alexander and Wilcox will primarily be serving the 100 Mile House community.
“Ginny-Lou and Bruce are excited. And we are excited about this as a community,” added Webber. —Helen Pye
WMS’s Longest Serving Employee Retires
The Women’s Missionary Society’s longest serving staff member retired after 40 years with the organization.
Katherine Allen joined the WMS as a secretary in 1972. By the end of her tenure she had worked in every part of the department. Her final post was administrative assistant and circulation manager for Glad Tidings, the society’s magazine.
“I never thought I’d be here this long,” she said.
“Katherine is the epitome of the WMS,” said Rev. Dr. Lynda Reid, a former synodical educational consultant, at the retirement party held at national offices.
In one of the event’s most touching moments, Reid attached a family heirloom to the collar of Allen’s blouse. It was a WMS pin that belonged to Reid’s mother-in-law, representing a lifetime membership to the organization.
“My award is to have all of you present,” said Allen looking out at room so full that guests were peeking in from the hallway.
As co-workers and friends took turns publicly honouring Allen, a common refrain was Allen’s sense of humour.
Allen will continue to serve the WMS in a volunteer capacity. She is currently vice-president of the East Toronto Presbyterial. ¦ —SV
PCC Sends Condolences
The Presbyterian Church in Canada sent its “sincerest condolences” to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa after 13 missionaries from its Woman’s Guild were killed in an August road accident in Tanzania.
A letter on behalf of Rev. Dr. John Vissers, moderator of the 2012 General Assembly, sent the church’s “sincerest sympathy at your unfathomable loss.” Its author, Rev. Dr. Rick Fee, general secretary of the Life and Mission Agency, assured the PCEA of the denomination’s prayers and added, “we join our hearts with all of yours as you reach out to the members of the families affected.” —HP
