Who is Ted Reeve?

My name is Ted Reeve and I’m the Coordinating Minister here at St. Paul’s Centre. I came to Orillia five years ago, initially on a contract, and have stayed and worked with the people here.

You have been involved in turning some polls from a traditional Church into a Community Centre and event venue, is that a fair description?

More or less. When I came to St. Paul’s people were interested in a broader vision of how this building could be used to bring the community in and work with community groups to more effectively use this as a space. So we’ve developed it as a centre.

We call it a place to gather for the community and we have a whole range of events that happen here now. Everything from our gardens around the building, food classes for low-income people, Lakehead University uses it is a major concert venue now, and it’s also a worship place for St. Paul’s congregation.

Perhaps you could describe some of the work you do here?

Well, the title of Coordinating Minister means that I work on core pieces while supporting the congregation and its life and Ministry and spiritual education. But, I also work with a variety of groups helping them to understand what it means to be a caring and just society.

I’m working with the Indigenous community and I’m working with low-income people. I’m working with politicians, with the academic community, and am in conversation about how we work to make Orillia a better place for all.