The estate of an Ontario couple gifted the Presbyterian Church with a large donation in January. Marion and Bruce Berry of Thornhill Presbyterian willed $850,000 to Presbyterian World Service and Development and Presbyterians Sharing, to be divided equally. Another $850,000 was given to Evangel Hall and Toronto Western Hospital.
“They were encouragers and enablers who loved the church and its mission,” Ken Kim, director of PWS&D, told the Record. “The gift will go into PWS&D’s Loaves and Fishes fund meaning that a seventh will be used each year to sustain our work and provide support to partners and communities working in agriculture, health and livelihoods as well as responding quickly to disasters. This amazing generosity will allow PWS&D to be encouragers and enablers to communities that need a helping hand.”
Executors Brian Slater, Marilyn Bailey and Rev. Linda Patton Cowie visited church offices in Toronto to present the cheques. Karen Plater, associate secretary of Stewardship, and Ken Kim received the gift.
“The Berry bequest encourages the ministries Presbyterians support together: creating new ministries, equipping congregations, sending international ministry staff, speaking out for the marginalized—in our country and around the world,” said Plater. “Part of being a Presbyterian is being part of a connected church and their legacy will build upon the mission and ministry of the church for today and the future.”
Bruce Berry was a school shop teacher and technical director, and Marion a church organist and homemaker. Married for more than 70 years, Marion died last June at the age of 94, predeceased a year earlier by Bruce. —with files from the PCC
