Dr. Friesen was appointed rector of St. Paul's Church effective August 1, 2005. Previously, Paul was diocesan chaplain at Dalhousie University and University of King’s College, and priest-in-charge at King’s College Chapel, posts he held since 1999. His pastoral and ministry experience stretches back to 1980, when he was for several years an assistant pastor at a Baptist church in Toronto. Paul was curate and associate priest for a number of years at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Toronto.

Paul has also had an academic career. He has been a professor of history and chair of the department of humanities and social sciences at Tyndale College in Toronto, and later Assistant Dean of Students and scholar associate at Wycliffe College.

Paul’s wife, Janet, is also a scholar, and she is currently teaching English at the Halifax Grammar School. Paul and Janet have two young daughters, Anya and Talia.

Paul’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in history from the Victoria University (University of Toronto), a Master of Divinity from Tyndale Seminary, a Master of Theology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in church history from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. As well, he has training in counseling and social work.

You may read the April 2005 announcement of Paul's rectorship here.