TESTIMONY FROM THE PAST
Dear St Ninian’s parishioners,
It was August 1968 and I felt lost. I was attending Grade 8 at Bendale School, a shy, bookish 13 year old, who had just moved to Toronto from the Maritimes. I had a strong call to church, but no one at home was interested, so I decided to go alone. St. Ninian’s was just a few blocks from our house at 7 Bainhart Crescent. I got myself dressed, heading out on foot, for my first Sunday service. That Sunday, Rev. Bill Hewton talked about the confirmation classes he would hold in his home, starting next week. I would need my parents’ permission. I took the paperwork home, got the signature I needed and took it back the following Sunday. It was what I longed for, but did not have the words to say. Confirmation classes were held around the dining room table at Rev. Hewton’s home, right next door. The opportunity to talk about God was exciting, although I remember being a bit surprised that everyone knew God in a different way. Rev. Hewton let us know that was exactly as it should be. From these classes, I came away with the longing to follow and be like, Jesus. I could hardly wait to attend the Confirmation service in May ’69 and to receive my first communion, just like the early Apostles. I attended St. Ninian’s every Sunday from August 1968 to August 1970. I remember a talented young red-headed organist who played the old church classics and some contemporary music like Lighter Shade of Pale. I wondered if the adults in the pews knew what he was playing! Sadly, in 1970, our family moved to Winnipeg.
I recently attended a very moving Said Eucharist (BCP), early one winter morning in Winnipeg. To my surprise, I could recite the entire service from memory. I was moved to tears and grateful for this familiar touchstone. I began to check the Internet to find the church where I had learned it. There it was.....St Ninian’s. I checked the web page and saw pictures of the building, which has grown since my 1970 visit. I emailed Patrick who helped to find my confirmation date--- May 28, 1969 by Bishop George Toronto. I found this news touching; a missing piece, found.
I want to thank St. Ninian’s for nurturing a young girl, with longing for God in her heart. You knew what I needed, when I did not. I still live in Winnipeg and have worked in private practice as a marriage and family therapist for 30 years. I recently completed a post graduate program in Spiritual Direction at the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg. As I review my life in Christ, St. Ninian’s is an important landmark on my journey. I am happy to greet you again, to offer heartfelt thanks, and to tell you that your work in my life has borne fruit. On my next visit to Toronto, I will come home to St. Ninian’s, take your hand, offering the Peace of Christ, with thanks for your mentorship and faith.
Gratefully yours, Brenda (Sinclair) Pauls, Winnipeg, February 2009......40 years since my first communion at St. Ninian’s Anglican Church.