IN the Process of calling a Minister
Tristan cleveland-thompson, Director of Music
We were thrilled in September 2022, when Tristan accepted our offer to be our Director of Music. He brings a strong background in organ music as well as singing.
He graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bacholor of Music majoring in Pipe Organ Performance.
Prior to coming to Newfoundland, Tristan worked as the music director at The Presbyterian Church of Saint David in Halifax for 7 years, followed by a short 2 years at Fort Massey United in Halifax. . Since arriving in Newfoundland he has continued working with local choirs, as well as singing with the Canadian Chamber Choir. The combination of his talents mixed with those of our choir and Chorale Scholars brings such wonderful addition to our weekly service and celebration.
I grew up in the united church, and have a strong passion for the work the church continues to do, and have loved returning to work with and support a congregation through my passion of music and leadership.
Robyn McMaster, Office Administrator
Robyn McMaster has worked at Cochrane Street United Church since November 2017. You will hear her friendly voice answering the phones and replying to emails. Robyn grew up attending Cochrane Street then lived in Ottawa for 15 years. Robyn enjoys walking on trails, gardening and volunteering at the church.
REv. Eric Hillier, Minister Emeritus
Eric Hillier was born at Main Point, NL and attended the United Church there until age 16. In 1960 he became a candidate for United Church Ministry and was appointed Student Minister of the Petites Pastoral Charge.
In 1962 Eric and Marion (Williams) were married and continued to serve the church. Following Petites he served several other Pastoral Charges. After attending Memorial University he took leave from Ministry and taught school.
In 1978 he returned to ministry and attended Atlantic School of Theology, graduating in 1981, was ordained at Cochrane Street United Church and appointed to the Green's Harbour Pastoral Charge.
In 1982 he was called to Humber United Church, Corner Brook and from there to Cochrane Street United Church in 1986. Leaving Cochrane Street in 1993, he went to Burin, Grand Bank, and Pouch Cove before retiring in 2001.
Following retirement Eric served as Intentional Interim Minister in PEI and Newfoundland as well as several short term, part-time appointments. Eric holds B.A., B.Ed. and B.Th. degrees. Even though they have been absent from Cochrane Street United Church quite often since retirement, Eric and Marion have always considered Cochrane Street their home church. They have two children, Rev. Scott (Wendy) and Kelly and two grandsons.
Patricia Young, Minister of Music
Patricia Young was an Organ Scholar at Royal College of Music, London, where she earned G.R.S.M., A.R.C.O., L.R.A.M., and A.R.C.M. for organ performance and teaching. She was assistant organist at St. Martin in the Fields in London, then moved to Oxford to head the music program in Greycotes School. She married and moved to Labrador for 11 years where there was no pipe organ to play, but lots of good choral singers! Since moving to St. John's in 1968 she has been organist at several churches including the Anglican Cathedral, St. Thomas' and Cochrane Street United.
She served as chair of the Avalon Centre of the R.C.C.O. for eight years, was the Newfoundland representative for the United Church of Canada Association of Musicians, and founded and chaired for 2 years the Newfoundland and Labrador Choral Federation.
TECHNICAL OPERATIONS:
We are so fortunate to have the level of technical support provided by : John Williams, of Jackabon Media. His company ensures we can provide online coverage of our weekly services through a live link as well as through our You Tube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@CochraneStreetUnitedChurch/streams