Class of 1996
Bachelor of Arts (History)

What have you been up to since leaving Crandall?

I graduated from Crandall University in 1996 with a B.A. in History and then continued on to Acadia Divinity College to obtain my M.Div. I met my wife Angela while studying at Crandall. We have five children: Abby (17), Aidan (15), Nason (12), Elias (11), and Matthew (8).

I have served in a number of churches over the years and currently pastor Lancaster Baptist Church. I also serve as vice president of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and have held various positions with them.

We have been very much involved in ministry to refugees arriving in our city. At Lancaster Baptist, we run a furniture depot for newcomers to Saint John in partnership with YMCA’s Newcomer Connections. Our depot has been able to provide partial or complete furnishings for well over a 170 families including newcomers from around the world.

We also sponsor families, facilitate sponsorship for other groups in our city, do English and homework help, assist those who want to become citizens, and more.

In August 2017, I was the recipient of the Acadia Divinity College Alumni Distinguished Service Award around leadership in the ministry to refugees.

Photos: Wayne Murphy working with refugee families in Saint John.

How has Crandall prepared you for the future?

Thinking back at my years at Crandall, I have a lot of great memories. I believe Crandall prepared me well for where God would lead me in ministry. The University was instrumental in giving me a strong foundation academically and spiritually. My time there instilled in me the need to work hard, to have fun, and most importantly, put Jesus first.

The relationships that I made at Crandall have continued to help shape who I am today. I met my wife, my closest friends, and colleagues there. Crandall helped build a strong network around me that has lasted long into the future.

What are some things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love playing ball hockey once a week in the “Over 30, Out of Shape Ball Hockey League” here at Lancaster.  We are just a bunch of guys who love to play and have fun.

As a family, we enjoy spending time at our trailer in Brown’s Flat throughout the summer and experiencing all that the Saint John River has to offer.