Our Ministry & Staff Team
Rev. Lauren Hodgson - Minister
Lauren Hodgson has been the minister at St. Matthew’s since September 2012. She grew up in Vancouver, BC and studied at Queen’s University (BAHonours) and Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto (M.Div). Lauren and her wife, Rev. Sarah Chapman, recently welcomed their daughter, Ruby, to the world.
Lauren is passionate about spirituality, creativity and the arts. She has extensive experience working with dynamic children and youth ministry programs and believes that ultimately – no matter what the age or stage of life – we all share the longing to make and find meaning in the world, and to experience God’s radical love, amidst life’s chaos and beauty.
Email: revlauren@outlook.com
Phone: 416-653-5711 x 222
Dr. Paul Jessen - Music Director
Dr. Paul Jessen hails from New Zealand where he did his first studies in music and obtained his B.Mus. in organ and music history as well as his Licentiate in piano. In NZ and Australia he gave concerts, played in various churches, taught numerous students in choirs and on piano and organ, and was a music examiner. In 1987 he left to pursue advanced organ studies in Germany, followed by a M.Mus. at McGill (1989 to 1991), and D.Mus. at Université de Montréal (1991 to 1996) specializing in Baroque performance practice.
In November 1999 Paul took up the musical leadership of St Matthew's UC, strengthening the choir and enlarging the musical repertoire to encompass music from 1500 to the present day. In the past Paul has organized many concerts in the excellent acoustics of St Matthew's and had the choir participate in concerts both at St Matthew's and the neighbouring Roman Catholic parish of St Clare, where Paul also directs the music.
Email: info@paulemlynjessen.ca
Phone: 416-419-6904
Betsy Anderson
Pastoral Care Minister
Betsy Anderson is a longtime neighbour of St. Matthew's and has served the congregation in a variety of capacities over the last fifteen years. She joined the staff team as part-time Pastoral Care minister in February 2017. Betsy is a graduate of Emmanuel College and worked for 12 years as their part-time Coordinator of Continuing Education until her retirement in 2017. Betsy is a layperson and active member of Trinity-St. Paul's United Church.
Phone: 416.653.5711 x 224
Beverley Eadie
Office Administrator
Email: stmattsunited@gmail.com
Phone: 416.653.5711 x 221
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Renwick Burnett
& John Marshall -
Caretaking Team
Phone: 416.653.5711 x 226
