The Rev. Dr. Teresa A. Charlton begins her ministry today at Knox Presbyterian Church.
Charlton comes to Vernon from Richmond, Ont. and was chosen earlier this year from among a number of candidates to take over the pulpit left vacant with the retirement last year of the Rev. Dr. Edward Millin, who had served Knox since November of 1993.
Charlton is married to John Charlton and they have three young children, Trent, Tara and Colin.
Charlton served as a church organist for almost 15 years, until a chance opportunity to preach changed the direction of her life. She practised her preaching skills as a student with various pulpit supply opportunities, a summer position in P.E.I., and as a student minister during her final years of studies. She graduated from Knox College, Toronto in 2004.
Charlton’s first service is today at 9:50 a.m. It begins with a hymn-sing followed by a traditional worship service at 10 a.m.
The present Knox Presbyterian congregation was formed in October 1937 by the Rev. George Sidney Barber, who at the time also ministered to Armstrong and Salmon Arm. The Rev. Barber conducted Sunday services in the morning at Armstrong, at 3 p.m. in Salmon Arm and at 7 p.m. in Vernon.
The Sunday evening services were held in the Scottish Daughters’ Hall until a church was built in 1943 on 28th Street on a site now occupied by Justice Park. In 1962 Knox, Vernon and St. Andrew’s, Armstrong became a self-supporting two-point charge. The two congregations separated into single charges Jan. 31, 1981.
Knox Presbyterian Church is on 32nd Avenue and Alexis Park Drive.
