MINISTER
The Rev. Dr. Darlene Brewer, PhD is delighted to be with St. James United Church until early May 2027. Previous to her 6-month appointment here, Darlene has served in congregational ministry for the past 15 years plus with Clifton Pastoral Charge (UCC), Rawdon Pastoral Charge (UCC), and Wyndholme Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In addition to congregational ministry, Darlene has worked in youth and young adult ministry, community chaplaincy, teaching theology, and program assistant work in the non-profit sector. She has taught in Early Church history, Social Ethics, Mental Health Awareness, Self-Care in Ministry, A Short History of Social Justice, and Ecofeminist Spirituality. She believes ministry needs to be grounded in health, happiness, rest, energy, and growth, for individuals and for faith communities alike.
Over the years Darlene has taught theology with Saint Paul University, the Atlantic School of Theology, and, most recently, will be teaching a Winter course (Online) with Queen’s Theological College in Newfoundland. Her passions include ministry, teaching, mental health advocacy work, and social justice. Darlene is active as clergy with The United Church of Canada and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada and the US. She has been active in ecumenical projects and ministry with many denominations over the years and grew up Roman Catholic.
Darlene comes from Newfoundland originally and it will always be home for her. Now, she lives in Dartmouth with her husband, Arthur, and her cat, Luna. She loves to walk, travel, enjoy a good meal, a cup of green tea, and to take time by the water.
Dean Bradshaw is our Music Director; his service to the United Church of Canada began approximately thirty years ago, at Bedford United, where he spent sixteen years doing services both traditional and contemporary.
Dean feels so ‘at home’ with St. James, and its organ and choir, though occasionally he joins the Carillon Choir (led by Joyce Wylie) for a bells and keyboard selection.
Dean studied piano and composition at the University of Toronto, and following graduation, was a rehearsal pianist for the National Ballet of Canada and dance studios in the city. Since moving to Halifax in 1988, he has taught at the Maritime Conservatory and continues to accompany community choirs (Encor East, and Seton Conservatory Choir). He has taught keyboard theory for over twenty years and been a staff accompanist at Dalhousie University. On the other end of the spectrum is his accompanying work at the Scotia Suzuki School of Music, where he works with children and teens. Dean can be reached at beforethursday@hotmail.com
Cathy McLeod is the Office Administrator and is the first person you’ll meet and the friendly voice on our phone. A long-time member of St. James, she became office manager in 2020.
Cathy enjoys working with people and is happy when called on to solve problems. When not in the office, you can find her enjoying her garden, preparing for book club, or spending time with her family.
