Are you interested in being a lay chaplain? Learn more
First Unitarian’s team of experienced lay chaplains performs weddings, memorial services, child dedications and other rites of passage for people who are not members of our congregation. Over thirty years ago our congregation was one of the first faith communities in Toronto to conduct same-sex unions and we are now delighted to be able to offer legal weddings for all couples.
Lay Chaplains are members of our Congregation who have been selected carefully for this important role. They are specially trained to provide these ceremonies and are provincially licensed wedding officiants. Their training is overseen by the Canadian Unitarian Council through the Ministry and Lay Chaplaincy Committee. As well, Unitarian Lay Chaplains across Canada form an organization which provides workshops for professional development.
They are here to help you create the ceremony you desire. Our personalized approach is our hallmark, specializing in both opposite and same sex weddings of varied religious and cultural components.
For more information about our Lay Chaplains or to be put in touch with them please contact our Chaplain Coordinator at 416-924-9654 x301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
More information about the Lay Chaplaincy program is available from the Canadian Unitarian Council.
Our Lay Chaplains are Peter Brydon, Margaret Kohr and Greg Robinson. Learn more about our lay chaplains through the Chaplain’s Chat.
Peter Brydon
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Peter Brydon brings his dramatic background and his long experience as a high school teacher to his activities as a lay chaplain. He has a warm and empathetic nature, and he looks forward to meeting with you and helping you plan the service which is just right for you, whether it be a joyous celebration or a time of mourning. He loves music and enjoys singing in Toronto First’s choir. He has been married to Wendy Peebles for twenty-five years and they have two young adult sons. "You conducted a beautiful service, and I thank you again. Everything went well and you deserve a lot of the credit. You read Fern Hill with great feeling and you talked about my daughter as if you knew her for 34 years." - JQ |
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Margaret Kohr
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Margaret Kohr was married by a lay chaplain in 1984, and has been active in the Toronto First Congregation since 1994, when she and her husband wanted a spiritual community where their two sons could explore religion in a liberal environment. Margaret's long time career as a lawyer with the Ontario Public Service has developed her skills in mediation and organisation and she is known for approaching whatever she does with integrity and purpose. Her personal experiences as spouse, mother, sister, and friend have deepened her ability to listen with an open mind and heart. She is committed to performing ceremonies that reflect the desires of the individuals involved. "Much thanks for your patience, and your willingness to work on such a short schedule." - JB "We've reviewed your ceremony draft and really like your recommendations ..." - JH "Thank you SO much for everything you have done." - PH |
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Greg Robinson
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Greg is a retired family and public heath physician. In the birth, life and death of patients he has witnessed the many joys and sorrows of life. Greg is a married gay man and a long time HIV survivor and an AIDS advocate. He lives intimately with life and death; whether as a doctor, a spouse, a friend or as a patient. He is trained and facilitates Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate human sexuality program offered in Unitarian congregations. He extends his passion, presence, and open-hearted nature to all. |
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