Page 25 - Presbyterian Connection Fall 2025

presbyterian.ca FALL 2025 25
ConnectionP R E S B Y T E R I A N
On Sunday, June 15, the Session
and congregation of Richmond Hill
Presbyterian Church in Richmond
Hill, Ont., were pleased to celebrate
with the Rev. Clive and Donna Simp-
son and their daughter Deborah
their 60th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful milestone to be able to share! They are pictured here on their
wedding day (held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church) on June 12, 1965.
On Sunday, May 18, Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church’s former Director of
Music Deon Flash held a thank-you concert in the sanctuary in appreciation
of the congregation’s support after his mother passed away. All enjoyed
the wonderful ministry of music by Deon, Soloist Britney Service and her
accompanist husband, Jordan Service. Pictured are Jordan Service, Britney
Service, Deon Flash and the Rev. Robert Hayashi.
On Sunday, May 18, the congregation at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, Ont., celebrated
several congregational achievements. The Rev. Maryka Potgieter (wife of Knox College Principal the Rev. Dr. Ernest
Van Eck) received her Master of Psychospiritual Care on her way to becoming a licensed psychotherapist. Elder Jane
Whetham was presented with the Knox College Brydon Prize for top marks (Church History, Reformation). And Nata-
sha Priyanka was recognized for receiving permanent residency in Canada. Pictured here are (left to right) the Rev.
Dr. Ernest Van Eck (who accepted the award on Maryka’s behalf as she was unable to attend), Jane Whethan, the Rev.
Robert Hayashi, Natasha Priyanka and Susan Falla-Johnson.
On Sunday, June 15, St. Andrew’s Presbyte-
rian Church in Lindsay, Ont., marked the
150th anniversary of The Presbyterian
Church in Canada and 190 years of Presby-
terianism in Lindsay. The guest preacher was the Rev. David Whitecross, who
served as assistant minister at St. Andrew’s from 1994 through 2001. Also
joining the festivities was Nelia Steward, whose great-uncle, the Rev. Dr. J.W.
MacMillan, served as minister at St. Andrew’s from 1895 through 1903. They
are pictured here with Ian McKechnie, an elder at St. Andrew’s, who com-
piled and edited Recollections + Reflections: 150 Years of The Presbyterian
Church in Canada, a project of the PCC’s Committee on History.
The congregation at Knox Presbyte-
rian Church in Bayfield, Ont., once
again set-up on the lawn in front of
the church to host their “BBQ, Bak-
ing and Book Sale” fundraiser on
Saturday, July 5. The positive energy
coming from meeting and serving so
many wonderful people contributed
to the event’s success. Funds raised will go towards maintenance efforts un-
derway at the church. “It is our desire to do what we can in the upkeep and
maintenance of our church, which is a part of the Bayfield Heritage Con-
servation District Plan,” said Teresa Steel, representing Knox Church. “This
involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses both spiritual care and
physical upkeep of the building and property, allowing everyone to enjoy
their experience at our little church with a great big heart.” PHOTO CREDITS:
MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
On May 4, the Rev. Deb Stanbury was
inducted into Trinity Presbyterian
Church in Hamilton, Ont. Members
of Toronto’s Armour Heights Pres-
byterian Church family travelled to
Hamilton to support and bless her.