Rev. Tracy Crick-Butler, our minister, grew up in London, graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of Social Work, and was a candidate for ministry through Wesley-Knox United Church. She received her Master of Divinity and Master in Pastoral Studies degrees at Emmanuel College, Toronto, and was ordained in 1996. She has served Varna-Goshen Pastoral Charge in Huron County, Robinson Memorial United Church in London, and Thamesford and Thorndale-Zion pastoral charges, both east of London. She loves ministry. It allows her the opportunity to learn with children and youth, wrestle with scripture, lead engaging worship, and share in the sacred moments of peoples’ lives. She is excited as she begins her ministry at Wesley Knox and looks forward to being part of “a vibrant and caring community”. Tracy and her husband, Kevin, have three children: Hopelyn, Isaac and Jorryn who often present her with the deep theological questions! Tracy likes to laugh with her family, “Go for lunch with the girls,” and travel vicariously by watching The Amazing Race. Recently, she wrote some words of greeting. You can read them here.
Rev. Dr. Douglas Ross, our minister of visitation, now also our Minister Emeritus, was born in Wainwright, Alberta. He studied at Queen’s University and Queen’s Theological School, Kingston, and was ordained in 1957. His first pastoral charge was in a mining community in Labrador. In 1960 he became minister of Bells Corners United near Ottawa, and in 1974 came to Wesley-Knox, serving as senior minister for ten years. He received his PhD in 1982 and his DD in 1984. In 1984 he became Executive Secretary of United Church London Conference. Upon retirement in 1992, he embarked on eight years of interim ministry. In 2000, he returned to Wesley-Knox to serve as Minister of Visitation. Doug and his wife, Helen, have three daughters: Jennifer, Mary-Janet and Elizabeth, and four grandchildren.
Karen Schuessler, our director of music, studied at Michigan State University and at the University of Michigan where she received a Master of Music in Organ Performance. Since moving to Canada in 1981, she has conducted Cantorion Cymraeg Canada, directed music for shows mounted by London Musical Theatre, directed Les Choristes at University of Western Ontario, and served as director of music at Centennial United Church. She is founder and conductor of the 38-voice community choir, the Karen Schuessler Singers, and since 1992, has been Director of Music at Wesley-Knox where she conducts the senior, junior and youth choirs and plays the organ. She teaches piano, organ and voice, examines for Conservatory Canada, and is much in demand as a music festival adjudicator and choral clinician.
Lisa Morris, our Pastoral Care and Membership Coordinator, grew up as a member of Wesley-Knox. She was baptized, confirmed and married to her husband, Dean, all in our church. She spent her early family years in Oakville, Ontario, a member of Walton
Memorial United where she was involved in many areas of that church’s life. She and her family returned to Dorchester and to Wesley-Knox in 2013. Her personal experiences have shown her the powerful impact that pastoral care can make in someone’s life. For her, this compassion and shared care is a constant reminder of God’s presence and great love.
Kim Stark is the Director of Child and Youth Ministry. While her main focus will be the Sunday School, Kim has also agreed to coordinate a monthly Junior Youth Group and organize a family activity once each quarter. Kim brings a joyous outlook and a wealth of skills and experience—both in education and in the arts—to her job.
Mary Bee Haworth, assistant to Karen Schuesler, holds degrees in music education and music therapy, and has taught and practiced in many school, health–related, and community settings. Currently, she works for L’Arche London. Mary Bee, husband Tony, and children Miryam, Christian and Hannah, all Wesley–Knox choristers, also live in Old South London.
Heather Westbrook, our administrative assistant, has been part of Wesley-Knox since 1988. She and her husband Tom have three children and are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren. Heather enjoys helping our congregation and is especially fond of assisting seniors in their many activities.
We welcome Bill Jacklin as our full-time custodian at Wesley-Knox. Bill has led a very interesting life over the past few years, including teaching in Thailand for a lengthy time. He’d love to discuss this with you. Bill considers London to be home and wasted no time jumping into Senior Choir in the tenor section. Bill is currently in school to train as a PSW and will mostly be working afternoon and evenings, along with hours on Sunday. Welcome aboard Bill!