Autumn Preachers at St. Andrew’s 2026

Rev. Ernie Cox: Preaching September 6, November 15, December 20, January 3

Rev. Ernie Cox is well known to St. Andrean’s. He was minister of Fourth Avenue Baptist Church for 17 years, and minister of McPhail Memorial Baptist Church for 8 years.  Between those two pastorates for 6 years Ernie divided his time between part-time pulpit supply and music, performing music mostly in the Black Gospel genre. Ernie retired from McPhail Baptist Church in February, 2022.

Rev. Heather Paton: Preaching September 13, October 11

Heather comes to St. Andrew's with over twenty years of experience developing and implementing Christian Education programming in congregations, summer camps and international settings. She is most passionate about outdoor ministry, Canada Youth and having fun with little kids. She lives with her partner, two young children and their Granny.

Tim Wright: Preaching September 27

Rev. William and Christine Ball: Preaching September 20, October 18, November 1

William and Christine have just retired from active ministry after serving as the Ministry Team at Mill Woods PC in Edmonton. Returning to Ottawa feels like coming home.

William served as minister at Westminster PC in Westboro for 17 years and Christine served for 15 years as Regional Staff for the Synod of Quebec and Eastern Ontario. Over the years, both Christine and William had opportunities to get to know St. Andrew’s, Ottawa. William was appointed twice as Interim-Moderator when the congregation was seeking to call a minister. Christine provided workshops and educational opportunities in her role as Regional Staff. Perhaps the best opportunity to get to know the congregation was the short time that Christine filled in when Huda Kandalaft was on maternity leave. 

Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon : Preaching October 4

Rev. Andrew Johnston: Preaching October 25

Andrew’s home church is MacNab Street PC in Hamilton. After studies at the universities of Toronto, Edinburgh, McGill and Presbyterian College Montréal, Andrew served thirty five years as a minister between three congregations - Briarwood in Beaconsfield Québec, our own congregation, and St. Andrew’s Kingston. Within the denomination, Andrew has served as Moderator of each of the presbyteries into which he was called, and on several national committees, including two terms as convenor of PWS&D. Beyond the Church, Andrew has served with community organizations that range from supporting intellectually challenged individuals and providing transitional housing initiatives, to climate change awareness and inter-religious dialogues. He has maintained an interest in the relationship between world cinema and Christian faith, and has served on Ecumenical Juries at festivals in Berlin, Cannes, Locarno and Montréal. Andrew retired in 2022 and has settled back in Sandy Hill, well accompanied by son Michel and daughter Emmanuelle (and families) and well visited by Gabrielle (and family) from Fort Nelson, BC.

Rev. Dr. Steve Moore: Preaching November 8

The Rev. Dr. Steve Moore, CD is a United Church of Canada minister. Steve served as a Padre in the Canadian Armed Forces for 22 years, with operational tours to Bosnia during the war (92-93), Haiti (97-98) and doctoral research in Kandahar, Afghanistan (2006). His post-doctoral work led to the chaplain operational capability, Religious Leader Engagement (RLE), now being integrated into military training. He is presently on the Staff of the Chaplain General where he continues his research.

Since retiring from the Forces, Steve has served in a number of UCC churches in the Ottawa area: Bethel-St. Andrew’s United (Fitzroy), Southminster United, Emmanuel United and Rideau Park United. He has ministered in Transitional Ministry with several churches, most recently with Rideau Park United (2024-2025).

He is married to Deboarh Anne Moore, musician and artist. They have three sons: Ryan, Josh and Andrew.

Rev. Helen Smith: Preaching November 22

Darlene McLeod.: Preaching November 29

Darlene McLeod grew up in the Presbyterian Church and has been a member of St. Andrew's for over 23 years. She previously served as the Presbytery of Ottawa's Youth and Young Adult Animator and on the Christian Education committee here at St. Andrew's. She has an MA in Religion and Public Life (Carleton University) and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Religious Studies (University of Ottawa). Her research has included feminist and queer ritual, gender and religion, and sociology of religion. Her current Ph.D. research examines Christian Nationalist practices. She has previously published essays in The Globe & Mail, The Ottawa Citizen, Geez Magazine, and EVENT Literary Magazine.