Jan 22, 2014


Though he was raised in rural Prince Edward Island, Darin MacKinnon is no stranger to Ontario. The new student minister at the Arden Pastoral Charge just finished his second week of services since he was appointed to his new post on January 1. He will be leading the three congregations that make up the charge, which includes the United churches of Arden, Mountain Grove and Henderson. MacKinnon is replacing outgoing Reverend Barbara Mahood, who left the post last August after serving for 13 years to head up the Pastoral Charge of Newburg and Centreville. In the interim, a number of supply ministers served the three congregations prior to MacKinnon’s appointment.

At his first services, which took place on January 5 in Arden and Mountain Grove, MacKinnon was introduced to the congregations by John Purdon. MacKinnon grew up in eastern Prince Edward Island and went to school at the University of PEI. He also studied for three years at Queen's University’s School of Religion in Kingston and graduated from there in June 2013 before beginning the first of a required two-year internship. MacKinnon comes to his post with a diverse work background. He first studied education and worked as a supply teacher and also taught history courses at the University of PEI. He said that history remains close to his heart and helps to inform his style of ministering. “I like to reflect on history and heritage in my sermons. I like to know where certain ideas came from and why we say and do certain things and to know where that comes from.”

MacKinnon also worked in the environmental and heritage/culture departments for the provincial government while in PEI and said that that those experiences allow him to appreciate the natural world, its current issues and the unique heritage we share as Canadians across the country. “A lot of what these small churches are about is a unique heritage. There is a lot of personal history that people have here and they value that. I think that they want to see that history celebrated and honored and I feel that I am someone who can honor and respect that.”

For his first experience ministering MacKinnon said that this is an exciting time for him. “I look forward to meeting new people in this new place and exploring my faith with them and new ways of talking about Christianity. This is a great opportunity to test the waters of my sense of calling and for me to see how that is received. It will also present an opportunity for me to learn from the people here, to learn about their customs, values and traditions.” Regarding the challenges his new position poses, MacKinnon said that one will be trying to relate to “all generations and to come up with a relevant message that all can appreciate and one that is still true to what I feel and believe.” Serving three separate congregations will also pose its own special challenges. “I am assuming that each congregation will have its own personality and its own needs and perspectives, which is something that I will have to learn to appreciate, understand and be able to respond to.”

MacKinnon said that he has received a very warm reception so far. “I have visited some people already, at their homes and shared some meals and feel that the people here seem very open-minded and friendly.” MacKinnon said that he is looking forward to an upcoming meeting with the church elders, where he hopes to learn more about the work and life of the local church community. He added that he is also excited to be living and serving in such a naturally beautiful part of Ontario and said he hopes to do a bit of canoeing, hiking and biking.

Regular services take place on Sunday morning in Arden at 10 a.m. and in Mountain Grove at 11:15 a.m. Services will resume in Henderson at the end of February. Anyone wanting to contact the new minister can call the church office in Arden at 613-335-2474.

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