The past few weeks have marked a special milestone at Oakville's Walton United Church. This fall marks the 40th anniversary of Pastor Jim Gill in his call to pastoral leadership.
Walton United celebrated Gill's 40 years of service to the Oakville community back in September, and Oakville News sat with him for a special interview, reflecting on his four decades of leadership at the Bronte church.
Pastor Gill shared that his path to the ministry began with a life-altering car accident, which led him to his calling to become a minister instead of pursuing a career in law and politics.
"I believed my God-given gifts and abilities were better suited to the Ministry helping others," Gill told Oakville News.
Over the last 40 years, Pastor Gill has officiated thousands of weddings, baptisms, and funerals, as well as several hundred confirmations. He's also trained 20 minister interns during his time at Walton.
These moments, he noted, have been among the most memorable in his career.
"Over the forty years, Walton has grown in the number of its members as well as the number of volunteers and staff," Gill said. Under his leadership, Walton United Church has grown significantly, both in membership and in its outreach.
"Bronte and the Oakville-Burlington communities and beyond, which we serve, have tripled in size," he continued.
"It's become much harder to buy a home in, traffic congestion has radically increased, the social make-up of the society has become more diverse and in south west Oakville the community has aged."
Despite many challenges, Pastor Gill says Walton has adapted: "Challenges have been Sunday store openings, Sunday children and youth sports, society becoming less religious overall, members working on Sundays, and virtual options," said Gill.
"Throughout all of them we have tried to adapt and carry on. Our regular attenders have grown well beyond our South West Oakville roots to around the western end of Lake Ontario."
Oakville-North Burlington MP Pam Damoff wrote a special congratulatory statement two weeks ago, saying, "’I've been fortunate to be part of the Walton family for almost 30 years. Jim has led a team that ensures Walton is welcoming to all and wraps everyone who walks in to the church with God’s love."
She ends, "Thank you Jim, for your friendship and guidance to me and all those who are part of our church family. We are truly blessed."
Looking ahead, Pastor Gill hopes to continue Walton's ministry and outreach, crediting the church’s success to the dedicated staff and volunteers.
"I hope to continue with Walton's ministry and outreach into the foreseeable future with our super staff and volunteer leadership team," he said.
"The people of Walton are a wonderful group of people - hence why I have stayed for four decades."