At the Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2022, the congregation passed a motion to name the parlour at St. Andrews “The Lois E. Carey Parlour” in recognition of her many years of service to our church. Below is a tribute to Lois outlining her contribution to our faith community.
Lois Carey
Lois Carey served in the position of Secretary of the St. Andrew’s Church Council for 33 years, until her retirement in December of 2021. She was a dedicated worker who was always willing to put in the extra time and effort to make sure the Council minutes were properly recorded and posted in a timely manner.  Lois was the “go to” person for anyone who needed procedural guidance or information about Council policy and implementation. Often heard were the words,  “Just ask Lois – she’ll know the answer!”

Even with her Council responsibilities, Lois still found time to organize events such as the Mothers Day Spring Tea in May and the Kid’s Only Bazaar in December. Her contribution towards the enrichment of congregational life at St. Andrew’s is sincerely appreciated.  

While she was Council Secretary, Lois also became our church Historian. She always had a strong interest in not only recording the history of St. Andrew’s but also in making it available to all. With her camera constantly at the ready, Lois was able to chronicle the events of our church in action (including the Sunday services) and she would frequently update the photo gallery that she created in the McIntyre hallway. Lois also looked after the showcase in the Narthex which presents documents, photos, newspaper clippings, and items from St. Andrew’s past in an artfully arranged and inviting display. For many years Lois also prepared the St. Andrew’s Annual Report in which she included her Historian’s Report listing the ministers and interns that have served our church.

The historical records that Lois gathered during her time as Historian are located in the St. Andrew’s parlour. This location is not only a place of quiet reflection but for many it is gathering point where the God’s Spirit is felt and the history of our church in image and word, serves as a source of strength and inspiration for those on their journey. 

On March 8, 2022, the St. Andrew’s Church Council approved the renaming of the room referred to as the Parlour at St. Andrew’s United Church. Henceforth this special place shall be known as the Lois E. Carey Parlour. May God truly bless all who gather there.

In making this declaration, the St. Andrew’s faith community acknowledges the generous work of a sincere and dedicated volunteer. It is St. Andrew’s way of saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”