Minister
The Reverend Catherine Elsdon (613-542-9616 Ext 203)
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. Ordained in 2013, she has ministered to communities in Dartmouth, Peterborough, Calgary and the Windsor area. Catherine also served for 6 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve as a military chaplain. As part of a shared ministry, Catherine currently splits her time between Sydenham Street United Church and Faith United Church.
Have questions about spirituality or the congregation of Sydenham Street United? Rev. Catherine would love to hear from you! Feel free to get in touch by phone or email (click here for contact information).
Music Director
Howard Lopez (613- 542-9616 Ext. 202)
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
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.
General Manager: Sam MacLeod (call or text – 226-567-2446) Sam earned a BFA in Technical Theatre and Theatre Production from the University of Alberta and spent over a decade working as a technical director and production manager at Ontario Place, Lighthouse Theatre, and Thousand Islands Playhouse. In 2016, Sam founded the Gananoque Refugee Settlement group, which has settled 32 refugees in the area.
Before joining The Spire, Sam spent four years as Fund Development Manager at Almost Home, a Kingston-based support organization for families with sick kids. There, he launched YGK Thrift, a boutique-style thrift store in downtown Kingston, with all proceeds benefiting Almost Home. Sam joined the Spire in late 2023 and has spent the last couple of years leading the modernization of the facility with a focus on community engagement, performance related upgrades, and broadening usage.
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 2025 03 10