Royal York Road United Church

The Rev. Dr. Ian Manson, born in Winnipeg, grew up on a farm in Southern Manitoba. He earned both his BA and MA from the University of Manitoba, then enjoyed the political arena working in Liberal Cabinet Minister Lloyd Axworthy's Manitoba office. Theology beckoned and Ian attended Emmanuel College, Victoria University, University of Toronto where he received both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology. Ian has spent 17 years in pastoral ministry, 10 in Manitoba and five at Royal York Road. His primary responsibilities include preaching and pastoral care. A born teacher, he enthusiastically researches and leads stimulating study sessions. Ian is passionate about "preaching, politics, drama, history, hiking and traveling" .

The Rev. Sheila Murray was born on Prince Edward Island and was raised there and in New Brunswick. She received her BA in French Studies from Mt. Allison University before attending the University of Toronto where she obtained her Master of Religious Education and Master of Divinity from Emmanuel College, Victoria University. Sheila has enjoyed 26 years of ministry, 14 in pastoral ministry in Quebec before returning to Toronto where she has spent 10 years in Ministry with Children, Youth and Young Families, seven at Royal York Road. Sheila created a 3-year church school curriculum that continues to evolve under her leadership. Her other duties include preaching, administration and pastoral care for young families. Sheila loves "preaching, seeing young people grow in faith, Highland Dance and learning Gaelic".

Kelly Galbraith the new Director of Music at Royal York Road, brings a wealth of experience to her post.

 Choral music has been a passion for Kelly every since she sang in her first choir when she was five years old. Kelly has been the music director of various churches in Saint John N.B. and Toronto before taking on her new position as Music Director of Royal York Road United Church.   She is the founder and director of Cantores Celestes Women's Choir in Toronto.  She has recorded six cds and has toured with this highly regarded ensemble. She has been conducting the mixed chorus, Manulife Financial Choir, for 17 years. She enjoys the freelance life as a Music Producer for CBC Radio One & Two and Sirius 1-37 plus programs two classical music channels for Galaxie 'Opera Plus' and 'Classic Masters'. She was involved in the start up of CBC Sirius Radio, and she produced a special documentary and concert on the life and music of Thomas Tallis. Kelly was the Senior Producer for the classical music program 'Music & Company' on CBC Radio Two. She was a Producer for 'Choral Concert' and 'Saturday Afternoon at the Opera'. She also conducted Canada's first 'Complaints Choir' broadcast on CBC Radio's show 'As-It-Happens'. 

Kelly’s desire as music director is to inspire others to tap into their own talents and abilities and experience the beauty that music provides by offering their best.   

One of Kelly’s joys is taking her dogs to weekly pet therapy sessions for patients at Runnymede Chronic Care Hospital.

Miguel Mercado, our meticulous, always cheerful church custodian, was born and educated in Lima, Peru. He came to Canada in 2000 and became a citizen in 2006. Miguel enjoys learning and appreciates the knowledge and experience he has gained through his maintenance and custodial duties. His off duty interests include music, cooking and travel.