After two-and-a-half years as priest at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church in 100 Mile House, Rev. Andrew Halladay is somewhat reluctantly packing up his belongings and making plans for a new chapter in his life.
June 26 will be his last day at the cozy log cabin church on Horse Lake Road.
Halladay is the latest of three priests of Anglican parishes in the Central Interior who have vacated their posts within the past year or so. St. Peter’s in Williams Lake lost theirs in early 2011 and St. John the Devine in Quesnel has been without a priest for more than a year.
The reason, says Halladay, is the restructuring of the Anglican diocese, made necessary by financial realignment.
He adds discussions are currently underway on how the three churches can work more closely together in the future to save money. Until a plan has been forged, St. Timothy’s will have services led by some of its current leaders and this will be augmented by more frequent visits from Bishop Barbara Andrews of Kamloops.
“I knew things would be different and wanted to be a part of it, but the timing isn’t right,” says Halladay, who will be moving to Vancouver at the end of June to be with his partner and to take time to figure out which direction he will follow next.
His departure will be seen by many as a real loss to the community.
Since his arrival in 100 Mile in January 2009, sporting non-conventional long, frizzy hair, blue jeans and gold rings in his ears, Halladay has had his presence in the community known, and has been a vital component of the performing arts scene.
The multitalented singer, actor and violin player was a member of the Eclectica Community Choir, with the last two years spent as director.
He quickly became involved with the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society, as an actor and as assistant director in 2010 for their production of Sound of Music, and as director for the 2011 production of Annie.
His position as parish priest kept him busy most evenings of the week along with Sundays, and with what little time was left, Halladay taught violin lessons.
“It’s been pretty busy, and my stay in 100 Mile has been good. This is a nice community to be in, and there’s more here than meets the eye – lots of talented people – artists and singers.”
One of the highlights of his time spent in the South Cariboo was when his choir learned how to sing “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“We’d been working on it since Christmas and were able to sing it at our May concert.”
He notes the friendliness of people in the South Cariboo warmed his heart.
“They are the kind of people who will cut your lawn if it gets out of hand and everyone here is so welcoming and receptive. A stranger can come along, and people offer their kindness and support. It’s a pretty nice thing.”
Halladay made a few changes to how things at the church were done during his time here. During Sunday services, he projected the sermon on a screen, using PowerPoint on a computer, rather than the traditional printed-paper leaflets.
“It was both a money and environmental thing. I think it’s good to use modern technology and be aware of how the world is changing.”
Halladay says churches often get into the habit of hoarding and end up becoming more like museums or closets. During the past couple of years, he threw out a lot of the old accumulated stuff and he also worked on throwing out some of the old ideas.
“Lots of Christian theology is about how humans behave badly and that they need to be corrected by God. We believe that all humans were created in the image of God, and would rather preach about love than about righteousness. A lot of old ideas need to be thrown out.”
Not afraid to speak his mind or do his own thing, Halladay admits he’s been somewhat of a political flashpoint in the church.
“I have a big mouth, but I figure that Jesus had a big mouth, too. He was always saying things to his superiors, so I feel that I am in good company. Jesus never tried to keep himself out of trouble. He looked for trouble and caused trouble.”
His outspokenness is not the reason for his departure, he says, adding it has gotten him in hot water more than once.
Trouble aside, his time in 100 Mile has been good, and when he gives his last sermon on June 26, it will be with a heavy heart.
“It will be very sad to leave. The congregation has been wonderful and I’ve had a lot of fun.”
