1998 to 2011
Harold was the rector, or senior priest, of St. John’s. Harold's last Sunday at St. John the Divine was May 8, 2011. Harold took a part-time position with the Vancouver School of Theology to mentor theology students in the challenges of urban ministry.
Harold was born in Victoria where he did his university education at UVic. He subsequently taught for three years in Malawi, East Africa with CUSO. He took his theological training at Trinity College, Toronto.
Harold was ordained in 1973 by Bishop John Frame and served in the Yukon communities of Elsa, Mayo, Keno, Pelly Crossing and Whitehorse. In 1980 Harold and his young family moved to Edmonton where he was rector of Christ Church, and subsequently Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral. While in Edmonton Harold studied at St. Stephen’s College (a United Church theological college) from which he received the degree of Doctor of Ministry, his thesis exploring the phenomenon of scientific disbelief and its implications for the church. During this time Harold received the honourary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Trinity College. Harold moved to Victoria in the fall of 1998 to become rector of St. John’s.
Harold particularly enjoys the combination at St. John’s of worship that has depth with social action, broad educational programs and the arts. Harold’s particular interest in ministry is to discover ways in which the faith can be expressed within our contemporary cultural experience.