My introduction to the United Church of Canada was at Guysboro UC - our little
white country church – ¼ mile down the road from my parents farm on Talbot St.
south of Tillsonburg. Regular attendance and participation in all church events
and activities were routine for my parents, grandparents, sister and me. It was
not a choice. It was mandatory. In reflection I say thank you to my parents and
grandparents for setting those standards. Attending services, singing in choirs
and acting as pianist for church events were routine for me.
In the mid 60’s the Minister at South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge of which we were part was Rev. Peter McKellar. Our country church closed in the 70’s and memberships were transferred to Courtland UC (Hamilton Conference). My parents sold the farm in the 80’s and we moved to Tillsonburg where we became members of St. Paul’s. I continued to be involved in choir and church council serving as chairperson, completing my terms in 1991. Moving to Woodstock in 1995, my membership continues to be at St. David’s where again I took an active role in choir, committees and Council serving as Chairperson for 3 years.
Retiring in 1998 after 33 years in the teaching profession and returning to Woodstock in 2004 after 11 years of commuting weekly to Ottawa, I became active at the Presbytery level. In addition, I am currently a member of the Staff Support Committee of Conference. A strong supporter of community I am very involved as a number of several committees and boards in Woodstock and area. Married to John Finlay, I have 3 step children and 4 step grandchildren.
I am anxious to keep all of our congregations well informed about the workings
and decisions at the Presbytery level. “From the Chair of Oxford Presbytery “
will be a monthly insert in your bulletin .
Stay in touch and keep informed. I can be reached at m.silverthorn@sympatico.ca or home - 519-421-3241(leave a message) with your comments, concerns and / or questions.
It is indeed a privilege and an honour to serve as Chairperson of Oxford
Presbytery.
Mary Anne Silverthorn
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