Paul Friesen

Paul Friesen

Paul Friesen became the 16th rector of St. Paul's Church, Halifax, in the summer of 2005, following the faithful and fruitful ministries of his most immediate predecessors, Peter Mason (1980–1985) and John Newton (1986–2004). Paul arrived at St. Paul's from the University of King's College, Halifax, where he had been serving as University Chaplain and Priest-in-charge of the Chapel. He is not certain why St. Paul's chose him (!) but he is sure why he chose St. Paul's: for its commitment to the Gospel of divine grace in 'Word, sacrament, and deed'–that is for its love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Scriptures; and in its worship, in its parish life, and in its mission. Paul loves leading worship at St. Paul's, and teaching and preaching, and the pastoral care of the congregation. He also loves working alongside staff, parish officers, and members of the parish in spiritual growth groups, work groups, committees, planning groups, and in local outreach efforts. He (and his family!) also love the way in which the long history of St. Paul's and its love of the life of the mind and music and art and the poor come together in the rhythms of parish life—a parish life that celebrates God's creation, Christ's redemption, and the Holy Spirit's presence. And he loves welcoming and supervising pastoral interns and divinity students. Paul holds an Arts degrees from the University of Toronto, and graduate theological degrees from Harvard University and the University of St. Michael's College. He is a Canon of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax.