After 18 years and 49 weeks, Reverend James Douglas, simply known as Reverend James to many in the community, is retired as Minister for Knox Presbyterian Church in Vankleek Hill and St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hawkesbury.
Douglas’ retirement took effect on July 1, but on Saturday, August 8, members of the congregations gathered at Knox in Vankleek Hill to honour their retired minister.
The celebration began with music by Caleb Primeau, Bill Connors and Rick Witham, Jim McRae and Darrel MacLeod, and Joyful Noize, the group which provides regular music during Sunday worship services at Knox.
“We are grateful and express gratitude for your years of service here in the Presbytery of Seaway-Glengarry said Seaway-Glengarry Presbytery Clerk Donna McIlveen.
Robin McRae, representing Knox, presented Douglas with a Memory Book of his years of service. McRae and Faye Montgomery, representing St. Pauls, presented Douglas with financial gifts from each congregation.
Rev. James Douglas began serving Knox and St. Paul’s in July 2007. He previously served in Port Dover in Southern Ontario. Douglas and his wife, Reverend Julia Apps Douglas, who is also an ordained Presbyterian Minister, plan to continue to reside in Vankleek Hill during retirement.
Photos: James Morgan
