Rector

Our rector is the Reverend Matthew Sponagle. Originally from a farming family in the eastern part of the Annapolis Valley, he moved after completing his undergraduate degree at Acadia University. Matthew went on to study at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, and was ordained in 2003.

Matthew comes to us from the Parish of Lockeport-Barrington, on Nova Scotia's South Shore, where he served 5 years as Rector. That parish was amalgamated during his time of leadership, bringing the 3 churches of the former Lockeport parish and two churches from the Barrington parish together after having shared rectors for over thirty years. Another major development during his time as rector was a covenant in Shared Ministry with the neighbouring Parish of Shelburne. This covenant encouraged the parishes to work together to reduce redundancies and develop ministry programs to help both parishes carry out their mission. Matthew was appointed the rector of the Parish of Wilmot in September of 2008.

Matthew's spiritual gifts for ministry have been identified as preaching, teaching and giving. He brings a deep appreciation for Anglican worship and traditions, but encourages creative and sensitive approaches to be developed. Parishioners have come to expect the unexpected from our rector (from a dinner table being set in the middle of a church service to getting people to stick their fingers into a mousetrap). Matthew's preaching style is relaxed and informal, but informative and helps break open scripture for deeper meaning. Many have commented that it is not so much a sermon as it is a conversation: "talking with - not preaching at." Scripture is approached not as historical fact but theological truth. We are encouraged to see how humanity has known God and salvation, and to weave our spiritual story into this sacred tapestry.

Associate Priest

Rev Michael McKeage was ordained a priest for the Diocese of NS & PEI by the Rt Rev Fred Hiltz in 2002.  Michael is an NSOM priest (Non-Stipendiary Ordained Ministry) who in Covenant with his home parish shares his time and gifts on a part-time schedule arranged in collaboration with the rector.  He was born in Asbestos, Quebec, in 1954.  His family moved to Newfoundland in 1963, where Michael completed high school and met his future wife, Diane.  After a 20-year career in the Canadian Forces, he retired early and returned to his university studies, completing a Bachelor of Theology degree in 2000.  In addition to parish ministry, Michael is devoted to providing pastoral care to veterans and providing a ministry of presence to the residents of the Veterans Affairs Wing at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.  Michael and Diane have one daughter, Shawna, married to Mark, and they have a daughter, Daphne.  Michael and Diane enjoy a quiet lifestyle, are avid readers and dog owners, and love spending time with their new granddaughter.  “If we knew being grandparents was this much fun, we would have done that first!!”

Retired Clergy