CORNWALL, Ontario – Erin McIntyre, Knox-St. Paul’s new Minister, has lived in several regions across the country but is hoping to plant long-lasting roots in Cornwall.
“I’m so new, I’m still sorting things out,” said McIntyre, who officially started work on Sept. 1. “Right now I’m just letting things wash over me as I learn the community and how I fit in here.”
McIntyre, who has family in the area but has never lived in Cornwall, moved from Dryden, ON with her 4-year-old son. She is thankful for the colouring supplies that community members have given to him, as well as photos with names to help her identify who attends her services.
“It’s been amazing so far. The folks here are just wonderful to be with,” said McIntyre.
After attending university in Lethbridge, AB and obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (French and German), McIntyre achieved two Masters Degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in Divinity and Sacred Theology.
Nine years ago, McIntyre was ordained after a lengthy process. She never imagined becoming a Minister, until community members suggested it to her.
“It got me thinking about it, and I thought ‘you know what, I will try it,’” she said.
McIntyre has previously worked in Benito, Kenville and Fish River Cree Nation, MN. What McIntyre loves most about her job is meeting the people everywhere she goes.
“You get to see the best of people and you get to hear their stories and what’s important to them,” she said. “You get to see the love they share to their families. Sometimes you see the worst in people too. But you see them trying hard.”
McIntyre is looking forward to meeting members of the community and partners of the church.
“I’m really inspired by the vision that this community of faith has, which is to help build a city where no one journeys alone,” she said.
Recently she enjoyed meeting with the Cornwall Interfaith Partnership and learning more about what is offered locally.
On Friday, Sept. 21, the Cornwall Interfaith Partnership will hold an event at Knox-St. Paul’s from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in honour of United Nations International Peace Day.
