Irish eyes were smiling as 400 well wishers gathered to toast, roast and thank Rev. Harry McWilliams for 21 years of service at Knox, Oakville, Ont.
The Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre teemed with people who came to pay tribute to this gifted pastor, preacher, administrator and teacher. Master of Ceremonies Ian Hay promised the audience that the tribute to McWilliams would encompass the 3 R’s: Retrospection. Respect. And a ripping good time!
The gala reception featured laughter, music, photographs and a few tears! There were reflections on McWilliams’ abilities in three distinct aspects of his work: preaching, pastoral care and leadership. A retrospective slide show highlighted McWilliams’ early days in Ireland, his calling to ministry, his strong family ties and his years at Knox.
Walter Read, moderator of the Presbytery of Brampton brought greetings on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
Speaking of McWilliams’ preaching abilities, Knox elder Gordon Macpherson said, “We’ve been blessed all these years. Preaching at Knox is Christ-centred by a minister who loves the Lord and his church. At Knox, we have had the Word preached Sunday after Sunday to comfort our hearts, enlighten our minds, and to challenge everyone of us in our daily walks.”
The evening featured many laughs, not surprising when you consider that the guest of honour once described himself as “not often right, but seldom wrong.” McWilliams was roasted for his thrifty ways, which include a love of dollar store bargains and his infamous habit of writing notes on the back of recycled church notices.
Rev. McWilliams graduated from Knox College, Toronto in 1975 with an Honours Master of Divinity. He also completed graduate studies at McMaster University, Religious Studies Department. He has taken courses in supervision, preaching, conflict management, addictions and interim ministry. He authored many articles and study papers produced for the church. His administrative and leadership skills were a great asset as member and chair on many boards and committees, at the National, Synod and Presbytery level, including moderator of Presbytery of Brampton and Synod of Toronto Kingston. He is active in the community as a member of the Clergy on Call program at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Before coming to Knox Presbyterian Church, Rev. McWilliams was a pastor in Kingston, Toronto, and Hamilton. He has served the Knox congregation of more than 600 members since 1984.
At the conclusion of the evening, a visibly moved Rev. McWilliams rose to address the room.
“I am amazed and astounded by the warmth and size of this celebration. You have given me a night I will never forget.”
Rev. McWilliams closed his remarks by echoing Paul’s comments in his letter to the Corinthians. He remarked that Paul gave God the credit for the fruits of his ministry, saying, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Rev. McWilliams then told the assembled group, “My prayer is that you will continue to plant, to nurture and God will continue to increase the dynamic and effective ministry at Knox Oakville.”
The Oakville community is invited to join the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church for Rev. McWilliams’ final sermon on Sunday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at Lakeshore Road and Dunn Street in downtown Oakville.
