It’s never happened before.
It may never happen again.
A former minister at St. James Presbyterian Church, Stouffville, is the newly elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
This honour was conferred on Rev. Dr. Herb Gale when the denomination held its 136th general assembly in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rev. Gale attended the University of North Carolina and later, following graduation, served as youth director at Myers Park, his home church. After receiving his Dr. of Ministry degree from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, he again returned to North Carolina where he held the position of associate minister at Shelby Presbyterian Church.
As a forerunner to coming to Stouffville, Rev. Gale attended the Toronto School of Theology where he obtained his Master’s degree.
This set the stage for his arrival at St. James. The year was 1984.
If Rev. Gale was ready for the congregation, it was evident the congregation was ready for him. He was welcomed with open arms. But not without adjustments between the pulpit and the pews. For this ‘down south’ pastor was unlike any minister St. James or Stouffville had ever seen.
Or heard.
While unfamiliar with the Canadian “eh”, Stouffvilleites were equally foreign to “y’all”. Strange as it may seem, the latter expression became a congregation byword, be it a Sunday service or a Saturday bazaar.
“Y’all come” posters were everywhere.
There were other bridges to cross as well. For, St. James, deeply immersed in traditionalism, found itself face-to-face with an American pastor prone to change. So confusing was this, one elder, prior to a Communion, asked: “Will nothing ever be the same?”
To which Rev. Gale courteously but fervently replied “never”.
And, during his tenure, nothing ever was. This kept the congregation guessing. For no one knew in advance what to expect. On occasions, he’d play the tape of a favourite singer, then preach a sermon on the lyrics. Other times, he’d dwell on boyhood memories and his growing-up years in Charlotte and Shelby. Members weighed in on every word for his descriptive experiences often likened to theirs.
One on-going occurrence that raised a few eyebrows was the interior of his office – much like the after-effects of a Carolina hurricane.
“I know they’re in here somewhere,” he’d say, searching for everything from child baptismal certificates to Sunday sermon notes. And, true to his word they always were – in there somewhere!
However, on a hugely positive side, Herb had so much to offer, and did so unstintingly. For example:
His sermons were basic, yet fascinating.
His children’s stories dissolved age barriers.
His emotions induced tears – of joy.
His tenor voice vibrated from the rafters.
His guitar was an instrumental innovation.
His modesty earned him admiration and respect..
It was indeed this congregation’s privilege to enjoy the luster of exceptional services over a period of nine years.
In 1993, with his announced switch in sites from St. James to Westminster-St. Paul’s, hearts simultaneously sank. It was Stouffville’s loss and Guelph’s gain.
But as Rev. Gale will undoubtedly declare, God had a hand in all that transpired. This former minister has now reached the pinnacle of success – moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
St. James was a significant stepping stone along the way.
