Our Leadership – Minister and Staff

Minister

The Reverend Catherine Elsdon (613-542-9616 Ext 203)

Catherine Elsdon

The Reverend Catherine Elsdon is passionate about sharing the transformational message of Jesus.  She studied at the University of Windsor, the University of Toronto and Emmanuel College. Since her ordination in 2013 she has ministered to communities in Dartmouth, Peterborough, Calgary and the Windsor area.  Catherine has also served since 2017 in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve as a military chaplain.

Growing up in the church, Catherine always appreciated being part of a nurturing, multi-generational community.  It was as a young adult that she found herself inspired by the wisdom of scripture and called by the Spirit to follow the Way of Jesus. 

Catherine is excited to be now living in Kingston with her husband and their 2 young daughters. She is splitting her time between Sydenham Street United Church and Faith United Church as part of a shared ministry between the two congregations!

Music Director

Howard Lopez (613- 542-9616 Ext. 202)

Howard Lopez

Howard graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with his A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance. He also holds a B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Toronto – Victoria College. In recent years, he has engaged in composing and producing his own compositions.  As well, he developed his own business to deliver first-class, live music services to corporate audiences.

Now residing in Prince Edward County, Howard is looking forward to working with the Sydenham Street United Church and playing his part in bringing the joy of music to members of the congregation and the Kingston community.

Staff

Contact Information

Lisa
Lisa Leavitt


Facility Coordinator: Lisa Leavitt (613-542-9616 Ext 202) Lisa is the first and primary point of contact for most of us. She provides reception and general administrative support for the congregation as well as the Minister, the General Manager and guest worship leaders. Lisa also provides reception and administrative services to The Spire and assists building space rentals for regular and occasional users. Finally, Lisa is also the technical producer for in-person, live-stream and recorded worship services as well as the weekly bulletin. Lisa is honoured to continue on this transformative, unfolding journey with the good people of SSUC and the Spire—whose resiliency, openness and optimism for the future inspires her every day.

Sam
Sam MacLeod

General Manager: Sam MacLeod (call or text – 226-567-2446) Sam earned his BFA in technical theatre and theatre production at the University of Alberta while working as a technical director for Edmonton’s French theatre, L’UniThéâtre. After completing his degree, Sam spent five years as the technical director and production manager for Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover, ON), and another three years as the production manager at Thousand Islands Playhouse, where he led the modernization of the production equipment and facilities. In 2016, Sam created the Gananoque Refugee Settlement group, a community initiative that has settled twenty-eight refugees in our area.

Sam comes to The Spire after leaving his position as fund development manager at Almost Home, Kingston’s home for families with sick kids, where he spent four years leading fund development through various campaigns and events. While at Almost Home, Sam funded and opened the thrift store YGK Thrift in Kingston’s downtown, a boutique style thrift store that sells used clothing and accessories with all proceeds going to Almost Home. Sam is looking forward to meeting Sydenham Street United Church members, to enhancing the space’s performance capabilities, and to working with the various organizations that call The Spire home.

Les Campbell

Custodian: Les Campbell (613-542-9616 Ext 202)
Leslie Campbell’s role is general cleaning and maintenance of The Spire building, the church sanctuary and the grounds.  He appreciates that  the cleanliness of the building is important for the health and safety of the many people who use the facilities.  He looks forward to meeting the diverse people who use The Spire as he performs his daily duties. Les is excited for the opportunity to work for the Sydenham Street United Church congregation, who share his commitment and values of community.


Sydenham Street United Church Office Tel: 613 542-9616
Email:  info at sydenhamstreet.ca (replace the “at” with @)

Officers

Chair of the Congregation:  Deborah Elliott
Secretary: Sheila Menard
Treasurer: Kirby Ruthven
Chair, Board of Trustees: Douglas Tanton
Chair, Art and Soul Committee: Ellie Deir
Chair, Finance Committee: Jack Soule
Chair, Ministry & Personnel Committee: Ian Malcolm
Chair, Property Committee: Walt Schmid
Chair, Social Justice and Outreach Committee:  Barb Parker
Chair, Worship Committee: Vicki Ruthven
Coordinator, Communications Committee: Lynn Freeman
Coordinator, Engaging the Spirit Circle : Deborah Elliot

Updated 2024 06 26