TRINITY
UNITED CHURCH GRIMSBY
Whoever you are, whoever you love, you are welcome here.
Meet the Staff
Rev. Donalee Williams
MINISTER
It’s about the stories! Whether it’s about God or church or music or cooking or cats, Rev. Donalee Williams is a story-teller at heart. And it is in her heart that Donalee carries stories of being a daughter and granddaughter of ministers, daughter of a piano teacher and sometime choir director, a child of the manse in small towns in southern Ontario, and a descendant of Scots and German immigrants. She remembers the sound of the Gestetner (old-time copier technology) and the smell of the ink when she helped her dad fold bulletins for Sunday as a special treat. She remembers the sweetness of cotton candy at the annual Lion’s Club Carnival in Dunnville, near her family’s summer holiday home, and driving over to Vineland every August to buy peaches.
Donalee enjoyed a 25-year-career in radio news broadcasting in and around Toronto: there were so many stories to tell. Those early years of career and marriage were busy ones, and, like many young adults, Donalee and her spouse, Ian, didn’t find much time for church. However, when they became parents in their early 30’s and then joined a church community, she discovered how much God continued to be part of her story, and how God was calling her to begin a new chapter of her life as a minister. It was definitely a surprise!
After graduating from Emmanuel College in Toronto, Donalee was ordained in 2010 and then moved with her family from their home in Mississauga to Fort McMurray, Alberta. Donalee was blessed with nearly 9 years of ministry with First United Church, through joys and challenges, including the experience of being church during the wildfire of 2016. Living through this exodus, exile, and return was for her a defining story of God’s presence through trauma and recovery, and through generosity and care offered by friend and stranger. The words of the United Church Creed, “we are not alone” was written on her heart as never before.
Moving to Grimsby in 2019 to serve with the people of Trinity United Church has been a return home for Donalee, moving closer to family and friends, and she is delighted to be part of an active and welcoming community of faith, and of a town rooted in history and the bounty of the earth.
For Donalee, worshiping together at Trinity, welcoming and singing and praying and speaking and listening, binds us and nurtures us in the stories of our faith. Sharing leadership with talented and generous volunteer and staff teams is a gift of weaving the diverse stories we bring to our various ministries and service to God and neighbour and one another. When visiting and meeting in our homes or at the church building or even in the parking lot, we share our precious stories. When gathering around tables, whether for a pot luck or a tea or a working supper or Christ’s table, we are fed so abundantly in body and spirit, and in all these things we give praise and thanks that we are God’s people, and part of God’s story.
Kimberly Hanmer
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Kimberly joined the team at Trinity in June 2018 and is thrilled to be part of such a vibrant church community. She was trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto; plays piano, organ, flute, and ukulele; and rings handbells. She has taught piano and theory and has experience in both traditional and contemporary church services. Kimberly has collaborated with vocal and instrumental soloists as well as choirs performing in a broad range of musical styles. She has volunteered at the Dorothy Ley Hospice in Toronto, providing music for the residents and staff.
Her position at Trinity involves playing many instruments, conducting the choir and handbell ensemble, and working with the music team to provide a varied mix of music to enhance and support the services of worship.
Kimberly resides in Toronto. She is a trained Dental Hygienist and enjoys running and all things creative.
CHURCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Presently Vacant. Please submit a resume to the church office if interested.
Annette Newton
CHURCH BOOKKEEPER
William LeGood
CUSTODIAN/SEXTON
William or Bill (answers to both) LeGood grew up in the heart of Niagara, in the small town of Fenwick. After graduating from E.L. Crossley S.S. with his very technical skills, he entered the work force in fabrication/construction/boat building. After several years, he became interested in the arts and the advertising industry and relocated to Toronto where he enrolled in graphic design at George Brown College, majoring in Advertising Design. He graduated in 1992 and has worked with some of Toronto’s largest advertising agencies over the last twenty-five years as an Art Director.
William now resides here in Grimsby. He still freelances and enjoys acting. He has had the pleasure of working in television, theatre, movies, and commercials. Since becoming a Trinity member in 2000, he has been actively involved in the youth and church school. William is also our Sunday sound technician and YouTube coordinator.
He has always felt right at home at Trinity, and it is his aspiration to make everyone else feel that way, too.
Kids-in-the-Hall
Also known as KITH, these students provide security and welcome folk to Trinity in the evenings.
Staff From Trinity's Historic Past
Rev. W.J. Watt
1941 – 1947
Rev A.L. Griffith
1947 – 1950
Rev. R.K. Lemkay
1950 – 1956
Rev. F.R. Gibson
1956 – 1959
Rev. H. Herlihey
1959 – 1968
Rev. Robert W. McLauchlin
1968 – 1981
Pearl Wilson, D.M.
1971 – 1983
Rev. Doug Story
1981 – 1989
Rev. Laurie White
1983 – 1986
Nancy Fraser
1987 – 1989
Rev. Victor H. Fiddes
1989 – 1990
Rev. Donald Pipe
1989 – 1990
Rev. Cathy Tovell
1990 – 1996
Rev. Dr. Owen Patterson
1990 – 2001
Rev. Jim Dowden
1990 – 2004
Rev. Tiina Cote
1996 – 2005
Rev. Joan Adams
1996 – 2005
Rev. Ross Routliffe
2004 – 2006
Rev. Eric Bacon
2006 – 2006
Rev. Marilyn Leuty
2006 – 2012
Christina Paradela, D.M.
2006 – 2013
Rev. Svinda Heinrichs
2014 – 2018
Rev. Dr. Alan C. Minarcik
2018 – 2019
Rev. Donalee Williams
2019 – Present