Who we are...

Born and raised on the prairies, Ian grew up on a grain farm outside a small town south of Winnipeg.  On those winter nights when it was too cold to curl or play hockey, he developed a love of history - which led to two degrees at the University of Manitoba.  He then worked for a few years as a political assistant to Liberal Cabinet Minister Lloyd Axworthy before moving to Toronto to study theology.  He was ordained and went on to earn a doctorate in the History of Christianity from Emmanuel College.   

After returning to Manitoba he served two pastoral charges and did some teaching at the University of Winnipeg.  Ontario then beckoned again, so he accepted a call to a large suburban church in Toronto.  After a nine year stint he was looking for new experiences, so accepted a call to serve a smaller congregation and figure out a creative plan for the future.  This led to him to become a designated Intentional Interim Minister who helped an Etobicoke church heal and unite around a new vision, and who worked on the staff of Toronto Conference. 

 Then, in 2019, Ian moved to New Brunswick to begin a new chapter of life.  Before coming to Quispamsis in September 2023 as Supply Minister, he did interim work at Harmony, Hampton, Gibson Memorial and Forest Hill United Churches, and really enjoyed these experiences.  As well, he and his wife Kelly Galbraith (a “west-sider” from Saint John who’s returned home from Ontario) were married in 2022. 

 Ian has also been doing some on-line teaching for Emmanuel College as a Sessional Lecturer, and is working on a couple of book manuscripts.  He loves preaching, teaching, writing, and working with congregations that are keen to define their priorities and develop a clear and sustainable ministry plan for the future.  Ian and Kelly also enjoy hiking, kayaking, reading, walking their three spaniels, being bemused by their two cats, and (when COVID protocols allow) attending lots of concerts, plays and cultural events. 

Leslie Reid

Leslie is our Office Administrator as of January 2019.    Leslie worked in Anglophone South for over 25 years. Newly retired, but looking to reconnect with community with this position here at the church. Leslie can be found most working days with her side-kick “Ebby”.

Shae Lyn Clark

Shae is the person who keeps us clean and in good order!  When you come into the church and smell the furniture polish, it's because Shae has been here wiping and mopping and vacuuming!  

You will also find her in the nursery on Sunday morning so if you have a baby in tow, feel free to leave the baby with Shae...she is fully trained and has all of her CPR qualifications in place!

Stephen Alexander, Director of Music - B.A. (Music), CRCCO

 Stephen is originally from Grand Bay Westfield (Nerepis to be exact). A graduate from Saint John High School,  he went on to complete his musical studies receiving a Bachelors in Music from l’Université de Moncton, a Service Playing Proficiency and  Colleague  diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Lieutenant qualification from the Music School CFB Borden, and diplomas in Liturgical Leadership and Pastoral Care from the Atlantic School of Theology. 

He gained many years of experience as Director of Music for Central United Church in Moncton, leading the Greater Moncton Chorale, being guest Choral Director of the U de M music department choir for the 2003-04 session as well as associate professor of music theory.  Ottawa became home in 2005 where he was Director of Music at Knox United Church as well as Choral Director of the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus from 2005-2008 and guest conductor with Tone Cluster choir for the 2011-12 session. 

In 2002, for his many musical contributions, he was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, awarded to Canadians who made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, or to Canada. 

How We Work With One another and With Christ

Like most organizations, we work within a structure of responsibility, oversight, and accountability. At Quispamsis United Church we work on a Council model, with several committees working on a variety of responsibilities like the Worship Committee which oversees all aspects of worship, or the Outreach Committee which works in our surrounding community to bring healing and hope. There are other committees with important work, and you can see who is responsible for what by checking out our organizational egg chart here.

We do this work together as we strive to follow Christ’s way. Where do you see yourself offering the gifts God gave you?

Our Most recent Annual Report is available by clicking the button below.