Verona/Harrowsmith minister retires

Jul 28, 2011

Photo: Rev. Lynda Price

Reverend Lynda Price, who headed up the Harrowsmith/Verona Pastoral Charge as the minister of St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith and Trinity United Church in Verona, recently retired at the beginning of July, after an eight-year post that began in November of 2003.

Price, who stepped down because of health issues, gave her last sermons on June 26. It was a very emotional day for her as she struggled through tears, but she is hoping that her stepping down will bring an input of fresh energy into both congregations.

The day ended with a potluck gathering and live musical entertainment at the Verona Lions hall, where members of both congregations made speeches and bade farewell to their minister.

According to Rev. Price, who lives in Kingston, the United Church’s policy recommends that ministers leaving a congregation stay away for two years to allow for the incoming minister and congregation to develop a strong bond. “For me that will be the most difficult part because I have developed so many close relationships with members of both communities, some of whom are presently ill. But that being said, I also respect the church’s policy.”

Lynda Price came to her calling later in life after many careers, including one as a museum curator at the Frontenac County School Museum and another as an office manager at a Kingston medical clinic. She was ordained in 1999, and following a one-year internship in Fredericton, New Brunswick, she worked at Kingscourt United Church in Kingston and at the Queens University Theological College before realizing that her strengths required a congregation. “It took me a while to realize that my gifts were in pastoral care. It may sound bizarre to some but one of the things I enjoyed most was performing funeral services; the reason being that that is a time when I felt I could really reach out and help people who were going through a very difficult time.” Price said it was her friends who initially convinced her to enter the church. “Initially I did not think that I had what was necessary but have since realized that the church was the place I was meant to be. Working one on one with people is something I have always loved.”

In the interim before finding a permanent replacement for Lynda Price, Reverend Patsy Henry of Parham will be taking over for a six-month term while a committee made up of members of both congregations is appointed to enlist a new minister. Looking back on her accomplishments, Price said one of her goals was to get both congregations working together. She did so by establishing group worship on months with five Sundays, when services would alternate on the fifth Sunday between the two churches. Similarly the congregations now regularly assist one another with their fundraisers. “I really hope that the newly appointed reverend will continue to build on the fellowship that exists between both churches.”

Some of Price’s fondest memories include working alongside volunteers at a number of hands-on projects including the renovations at St. Paul's in Harrowsmith. “That was when I got to strap on a pair of coveralls and work side by side with the community and that for me was a very special time.” Reverend Price leaves her post with sadness but also with a strong feeling of gratitude. “I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have been a part of these two wonderful communities who have been so supportive to me all along the way.”