Page 21 - Presbyterian Connection Fall 2025

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ConnectionP R E S B Y T E R I A N
On April 27, Central Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ont., celebrated
the exceptional ministry of the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Athanasiadis (“Dr. Nick”)
as he retired after almost 34 years of ministering to various congregations
throughout Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Arriving at Central during a time of
great instability, for the last three years Dr. Nick’s caring and sensitive leadership
helped prepare the congregation to call its next minister. A special Sunday
service was held that included a tribute from the children and music especially
selected and sung by the choir. The service was followed by a congregational
luncheon. Dr. Nick is pictured here at the reception with his family.
Five congregations, who call themselves the Central Niagara Presbyterians, worked collaboratively to hold a Spring
Blessings Tea in May for the Presbytery of Niagara. The group came together in worship, using the 10 beautiful
stained-glass windows in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Welland as the theological inspiration. The service was
followed by fellowship to celebrate 150 years of the PCC. Pictured here is one example of the special music provided
with the inter-congregational choir.
Congratulations to Patricia St. James Smith who received a Master of Divinity
degree from St. Andrew’s Hall/Vancouver School of Theology. On Sunday, May
18, the congregation at Barney’s River–Marshy Hope Presbyterian Church in
Barney’s River, N.S., held a luncheon to acknowledge and celebrate Patricia’s
achievement. The congregation thanks Patricia for her worship and spiritual
guidance as a lay preacher for the last seven years.
The congregation at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Kemptville, Ont., dedicated funds from its spring mission pro-
ject to the ministry of Leeds & Grenville Interval House, which supports women and children as they seek refuge from
abuse to find safety, dignity and hope. This mission project was generously supported by the congregation through
their donations. Melissa Leveck, Executive Director of Leeds & Grenville Interval House, received a cheque for $3,750
from the Rev. Samer Kandalaft and the Mission Committee during worship on May 25. This is more than a dona-
tion—it is a declaration that every person deserves to live free from fear, that healing is holy work, that justice is
love in action. Pictured (left to right) are Jim Armour, David Carmichael, Melissa Leveck, the Rev. Samer Kandalaft,
Ruth Bond and Nancy Messenger.
On April 26, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Kemptville, Ont., led by the St. Paul’s Youth Group, once again hosted its
annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser with a silent auction. Always a great hit, this year did not disappoint. In addition to
two separate dining hours in the accessible church hall, 26 delicious dinners were also picked up at the door for home
dining comfort. Wonderful aromas filled the air as light, love and laughter filled the room. What a great community
outreach for the church! For those who missed it—the congregation hopes to see you next year for a delicious meal and
the pleasure of having the wonderful young people serve you!
On Sunday, April 6, Diane McLean, Joan McKay and Nellie McKay were or-
dained as elders of Knox Presbyterian Church in Moose Creek, Ont. In the
187-year history of the congregation, this is the first time women have been
ordained to the position. It was truly a morning of celebration as family and
friends gathered to witness this historic moment. Following the communion
service, a time of fellowship was enjoyed by the congregation. Pictured here
(left to right) are Interim Moderator the Rev. Ian MacMillan, Nellie McKay,
Joan McKay, Diane McLean and Clerk of Session Stuart McKay.