Knox Presbyterian Church

Minister and Staff

 

Rev. Terry V. Hastings B.A., M.Div., D.Min

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    Terry has been married to Lorraine Stevenson for 28 years, and they have three children; Chaslyn, Leah, and Kieran. Their first grandchild, Aidan, was born in July of 2007! They also have a dog. The family loves to camp, and Terry is an avid canoeist and hiker. Born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, Terry graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1981; and from Knox College Seminary in 1985. He completed his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Degree through the University of Chicago in 2004. His thesis was on the role of preaching in helping youth see the church as a meaningful partner in their faith journey.
   Terry has been in active congregational ministry for twenty-two years – serving congregations in Saskatoon; Toronto; and new church development ministry in London, before coming to Stratford in May, 2003. Terry loves to preach and share God’s story with people, especially with the children of
the congregation. He is a passionate advocate of lay ministry and encourages people to participate fully in the work of the church – from worship leadership to community outreach. He is very involved in mission and justice ministries and has served on ministry and justice teams working in Central
America and the Caribbean, as well as here in Canada.
   At the community level, Terry serves as the Chaplain for the Stratford Fire Department; is a member of the executive for the Stratford and District Council of Churches; sits on the Mayor's Crystal Meth Task Force; and is involved in social justice and environmental awareness groups at the local level.
   Other than camping, Terry enjoys reading (his favourite authors are C.S. Forester and Bernard Cornwell); exploring art museums (he appreciates the Impressionists); watching movies (his all-time favourite is ‘Casablanca); and, of course, going to live theatre (his favourite Shakespeare play is ‘Henry V’).

 

Suzanne Strahan  B. Mus.,B.Ed. Organist

 

 

 Originally from Kingston. Ontario, Suzanne studied music at Queen's University, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in piano and music education. She received her Bachelor of Education from McArthur College of Education and has taught music in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior divisions.

Presently she is employed by the Avon Maitland District School Board and teaches music at King Lear Senior Public School in Stratford. Suzanne is the co-founder of the Perth County Youth Choir and Children's Chorus. These choirs have performed throughout North America and have received numerous awards for choral excellence.

In spite of a hectic professional schedule, Suzanne is very committed to her family. She has three sons, who are actively involved in sports and music. With the help of her husband, David, everyone seems to be able to accomplish their goals.

 

Ruth Reath Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ruth was born in the heart of downtown Carlingford where she attended both elementary and high schools. She was married to Al Reath in 1969. Al and Ruth have one son, David who now works in Stratford.

Ruth worked for the Ministry of Transportation (Originally the Department of Highways) for 32 years as Municipal Accounting Officer. Ruth has now been with us at Knox Stratford as Treasurer since 1989 and as Secretary-Treasurer since 1998.

Ruth presently serves on several Stratford Community Boards: Stratford Perth Museum, Emily Murphy Residence and SAAIL. Ruth has served in all capacities for the United Way and assists her husband in maintaining and displaying the "Travelling Exhibit" for the Stratford-Perth Museum

Ruth has been an Elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for 20 years and taught Church School there. She has been a soprano in the choir of St. Andrew’s for over 30 years.

Ruth loves antiques and loves going to Auction sales. She collects old dishes, especially Royal Nippon. Ruth uses her gifts to assist people to complete their income tax and has often helped brand new church treasurers in their bookkeeping. The one thing Ruth would be glad to give up would be housework.

Ruth’s delightful sense of humour and working knowledge of Stratford is a tremendous asset to the life and ministry of Knox Stratford.

 

Ed Rothwell, Relief Custodian

 

 

 Ed was born in Elma Township near Atwood. He attended public school in the area and graduated from Milverton High School. Ed married Grace in 1959 and has five children, three girls and two boys. They delight in their 7 grandchildren. His family is very active in the life and work of the congregation. Ed worked at Stratford PUC as a Lineman and Line Forman for 35 years and is now retired.

Ed enjoys playing cards, gardening and cooking. He volunteers for Meals on Wheels and can be found using his gifts in the Church on any given day. He is "Mr. Fixit" for his family, friends and church. Ed enjoys helping people in a practical way but he hates shoveling snow.

Ed’s relaxed manner and willingness to respond on short notice is a gift to our congregation and church family.

2009