Our Minister

Rev. Donald Maclean

Don, who grew up in St. Catharines, attended Queen's University in Kingston, graduating with an Honours BA in English and History. Focusing on ancient history, he followed up with an MA in Greek and Roman history from McMaster University in Hamilton. Don then taught high school for one year in Flesherton, Ontario - after considerable influence from several people in his church community, including youth leader Roy Bonisteel - he found himself back at Queen's to earn a Bachelor of Divinity in 1972, finishing at the top of his class! Don stayed at Queen's for a couple summers as a lecturer in the department of classics where he was discovered by one special student - Lynn - who soon became Mrs. Maclean.

Don was ordained in 72 through Westminster United Church in St. Catharines, then did clinical work with families through Kingston General Hospital while a part-time minister at Sydenham Street United Church in Kingston until Lynn graduated as a teacher in 1973.

The couple was then off to Don's initial charge in Chapleau, Ontario, where he served until 1976. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor life, purchasing a cabin on a lake - a place where he still loves to return annually. Chapleau was followed by three years in New Liskeard and those first six years of marriage produced Don's and Lynn's family of two sons and a daughter. In addition, Don completed a Masters in Theology through Queen's.

Seeking to broaden the children's horizons, Don joined the Armed Forces and while his family lived in Shearwater, N.S., he underwent gruelling training in Chilliwack, B.C.. Influenced by the readings of Bob McClure, who parachuted into Burma to do his medical work, Don earned his parachuting wings in 1980. Once training was completed, the Macleans jetted to Germany for Don's three-year army chaplain posting with an artillery regiment in Lahr. Don completed a German parachute course - during which he experienced profound gratitude for a reserve chute!

By 1984, the family returned to Ontario with Don a chaplain first in Petawawa then Kingston's Royal Military College. After a year of French-language training in Ottawa, the Macleans finally settled in the Nation's Capital with Don as chaplain at Uplands' Elizabeth Park Protestant Chapel. When the base closed, he pioneered the creation of the first Roman Catholic/Protestant Chapel. Don later assisted bases across Canada with similar amalgamations.

By the mid-1990s, Don was command chaplain for the Canadian Army working out of National Defence headquarters, making tours to Bosnia and the Golan Heights and visiting bases. He was also project supervisor for the creation of a digital hymnal, an electronic music resource for use in chapels.

Retiring from the Armed Forces in 1999, Don continued with interim/supply ministry at Rideau Park, Bells Corners, Stittsville, Bell Street, Knox and a year in the Conference Office. He believes laity is the real strength of the United Church, celebrating the neighbourhood style of the UC vs. the big box style of some other denominations.

Lynn retires this year as a kindergarten teacher, has been in Girl Guides for many years and loves to sing in choirs.

Don and Lynn have two granddaughters in town and that family tie, combined with reading, walking and cross-country skiing and the beloved Chapleau cabin, all provide Don with relaxation away from his ministry work.

~Written by Ellen Boynton