Rev. Linda Thomson, Lead Minister
Rev. Linda Thomson will be serving as a part-time contract minister for the 2025-2026 year, providing guidance to staff and congregation as we undertake our settled ministry search process.
Linda first found UUism in 1983, when she, her partner Gary, and their two young children, walked into the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton. Before beginning work supporting congregations, she was an active lay leader, serving as Chair of the Board, on the HR committee and as a Lay Chaplain. Linda studied at Meadville Lombard Theological School and was ordained in 2013. Linda most recently held the role of Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions for the CUC. You can reach her by email.
Rev. Victoria Ingram, Pastoral Minister
“I served the Hamilton congregation for 11 years prior to retiring in 2021. It was a time of change and refocusing for the community. We reviewed and adapted our governance structure. We revitalized our community engagement and social justice efforts. We invested in leadership development and in encouraging a new generation of congregational leaders. We tried new programs, some of which worked well and some of which we learned were not sustainable. I hope my experience in these areas will be of use and value to you as we work together for the well-being of Toronto First.”
Captain Rev. Nicole McKay, Affiliated Community Minister
An affiliated community minister is a minister who has a formal relationship with the congregation however is not part of the staff team. Their ministry takes place outside of our congregations while staying grounded in our Unitarian Universalist tradition. You will see them from time to time in the pulpit or present for significant moments, with the blessing of the Lead Minister and staff team.
Rev. Nicole (she/elle) was ordained by this congregation and in her ministry, she serves as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, currently posted to Canadian Forces Base Borden. She is the first Unitarian Universalist military chaplain to be serving in Canada. She has an Honours Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from York University and a Master of Divinity from Trinity College at the University of Toronto. She is also a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
She shares her life with her partner, their three children, and three cats. Rev. Nicole has a deep appreciation for nature, music, and reading.