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The Rev. Don Beyers
Incoming Priest-in-Charge
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Ordained in 2016 by Archbishop Colin Johnston, Fr. Don has served as a parish priest in two parishes. Prior to ordination, Don spent over 25 years in ministry in educational and parish settings.
Don completed his university studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a degree in German Literature and Philosophy. Following university he went on to seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued graduated studies, later receiving a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology.
After leaving seminary, Don taught theology for a few years to high school students and worked with Latin American immigrants. He later served at a large inter-city parish, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, with youth and young adults, promoting faith and spiritual life and community engagement. While there, Don was invited to serve as an adjunct theology faculty member at the University of St. Thomas. His work with university students led him to become an associate director of university ministries in addition to serving on the faculty. While
at St. Thomas, Don advocated for greater inclusion for LGBTQ persons as well as students of other religious traditions, in particular Muslim students.
While raised Catholic, Don's faith journey led him to the Episcopal Church while he was teaching at university. Shortly after arriving in Canada, he was received into the Anglican Communion. The rich and diverse spiritual, theological, and liturgical traditions of the church drew him to the Anglican expression of Christianity.
Don began ministry in the Anglican Church in 2014 right here at Grace Church-on-the-Hill and served under the pastoral leadership of our previous pastor, the Rev. Canon Peter Walker. Following ordination, he served as assistant curate at Christ Church, Stouffville, rector of Christ Church, Bolton, and most recently the rector of St. Anne's, Toronto.
Originally from the United States, Don immigrated to Canada over fourteen years ago with his husband, Roman, and became a Canadian citizen shortly afterwards. He and Roman have been together for twenty years and both enjoy travelling, exploring new cultures, and learning languages.
Don enjoys hiking, going for long walks, biking, and travel and getting to know new people and cultures. An avid reader, Don enjoys reading and learning more about history, politics, science, philosophy, and theology. His love for reading and writing was further deepened while working in publishing, initially in the field of marketing and later as an acquisitions editor.
Don looks forward to returning to Grace, this time as pastor, and to serving with the good people of Grace.