Barry Parker

Barry holds the formal title of the Reverend Canon Doctor in his role as the Rector or Senior Minister / Pastor of our church. His formal education includes a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) and general BA. It all started with his diploma in Emergency Paramedical Care.

Barry has a special place in his heart for Alberta and for Firefighters which comes from his tenure as Rector of two Anglican Churches in Alberta, as well as early professional years as a Paramedic and Firefighter in Alberta and Ontario. Dealing with large ‘Alberta-sized’ ministry related fires is not an issue for him, so the intensity and scope of our massive recently completed renovations – the Nehemiah Project – is taken all in stride.

His role description as Rector involves a focus on four primary ministry areas – Leading, Preaching, Teaching and Connecting with the diverse communities served by St. Paul’s Bloor Street. His natural bent for bridge-building into these communities includes our local area, the Greater Toronto Area and the international Anglican Communion.

As part of connecting to the community he has the privilege of serving as a Chaplain for South Command, Toronto Fire Services (TFS). He also teaches at Wycliffe College and at Tyndale Seminary. Barry is active in the current leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and serves in various capacities.

Barry is married to Cathy and together they have three adult sons, one wonderful daughter-in-law and 2 dogs. After trekking across England he is now looking for the next big walk.

The core of Barry’s ministry stems from 2 Timothy 4:2 – Proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.