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St. Hilda’s welcomes new rector

The congregation of St Hilda’s Anglican Church on Aug. 24 officially celebrated the Rev. Dr. Stephen Black as its new rector. Rev. Black began his ministry at St Hilda’s on Jan.
C.Rector
Rev. Dr. Stephen Black is the new rector of St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt.

The congregation of St Hilda’s Anglican Church on Aug. 24 officially celebrated the Rev. Dr. Stephen Black as its new rector.

Rev. Black began his ministry at St Hilda’s on Jan. 1, but due to COVID restrictions the official induction, with the bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster in attendance, did not occur until eight months later.

In a press release, the church described the occasion as “a joyful one for all.”

Rev. Black is joined in Sechelt by his wife and their daughter, while another daughter is studying at UBC. 

The release says the new rector loves hiking and music, especially the composer Mahler and the rock group the Grateful Dead, as well as theology, philosophy, and history.

“He brings many exciting gifts to our parish, having taught theology both at Vancouver School of Theology and in the Caribbean. Stephen enjoys looking at different ways of interpreting the Gospel and we are looking forward to some wonderful opportunities to grow in our understanding of God’s hopes for this community and humanity around the globe,” the church said.

Rev. Black also has a strong interest in working alongside the shíshálh First Nation people and is keen to help the parish move forward on several green initiatives.

“Both these areas are already taking form and we look forward to his leadership in reaching these and, in time, many other goals,” the release said. “In addition, there are hopes to engage young families as well as increase the parish service offerings to broaden the styles of worship so that more people feel served by the Anglican church in this community.”

Rev. Black can be reached at St Hilda’s church, 604-885-5019.