Rev. Sherri McConnell
Minister
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Sherri has been a Diaconal Minister in the United Church of Canada for 30 plus years, Sherri has a degree in English Literature, and advanced degrees in Theology, Church History and Marriage and Family Therapy. Sherri has served in rural and urban congregational ministry, community ministry, has taught at a theological school, and worked as a counsellor at a community agency.
Dr. Stuart Sladden
Director of Music in Worship
Stuart was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area and moved to Winnipeg in 2010. He holds music performance degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba and most recently completed his Doctor of Music degree from the University of Alberta. He has been a professional musician for over twenty-five years and has been responsible for running church music programs in the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church traditions, for churches in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba since 1996. He began working at Westminster United Church in March of 2022 as the Interim Director of Music and formally took on the role and joined the staff team in September of 2022. Stuart is heavily involved in the choral community here in Winnipeg, both as a conductor and professional singer, and is an active guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician appearing with and providing workshops and clinics for choirs across Canada.
Lynne Mavins
Organist
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Lynne has been involved in musical activities in the United Church since she was in junior high school, playing piano for Sunday school, and singing in the choir. In 1991 she took on the organist’s role at Transcona Memorial United Church which she held until 2022. In the fall of 2022 Lynne became the organist at Westminster Church.
Lynne began organ lessons with Don Menzies at Westminster Church in 1993. During that time she completed her Associate Diploma, and Licentiate Diploma through Western Board of Music, as well as the Fellow of Trinity College, London (UK) diploma in organ performance. `
Lynne is actively involved in the Winnipeg Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. She is past president of the Centre and is currently the treasurer.
Lynne retired in 2019 as Director of Schools’ Finance Branch after a 37 year career with the Manitoba Department of Education.
Rebecca McIntosh
Soprano Soloist
Rebecca started at Westminster as the Soprano Choral Scholar in 2014 and subsequently took on the role of Soprano Soloist in the fall of 2018. Rebecca has a BMus (Voice) from the University of Alberta and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma from the University of Manitoba. She was Manitoba’s representative for voice to the National Music Festival in Ottawa in 2017 after winning the trophy for Most Outstanding Performance of an Opera Aria in Winnipeg. In addition, at Westminster Rebecca has served on a variety of committees and chaired the finance committee for a time.
Sonia Campbell
Alto Soloist
Originally from Edmonton, AB, Sonia holds a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Music at the University of Manitoba. She is excited to represent Manitoba at the 2023 CFMTA National Voice Competition after having won the MRMTA Advanced Performance Scholarship Competition in Voice. Sonia has been the Alto Soloist at Westminster United since October of 2023.
Fred Simpson
Bass Soloist
Born and raised in Winnipeg Fred, a retired elementary school music specialist, has a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree and a Masters of Science degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Manitoba (St. John’s College) and a Certificate in Education from the University of Manitoba. Fred has appeared on Rainbow Stage and in most of the productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg. More recently, he has appeared as a chorus member with the Manitoba Opera Association. Fred has been a church soloist since 1971. Arriving at Westminster United Church in September, 1984, he remains our bass soloist today.
Dan Beauvais
Head Caretaker
Dan has worked for Westminster Church for more than a decade. In addition to caring for the grounds and building, you can also find him helping out with virtually every function that happens at the church. From Bell Tower to Sunday morning, he’s there! Dan also acts as liaison between our administration and staff, and the several arts groups that use our sanctuary. Thanks to Dan’s hard work, concerts, talks, and other events come off without a hitch. You can find Dan at any time by following your ears- he sings while he works!
