OUR CLERGY AND STAFF

The Rev. Canon Eric Beresford, Priest in Charge

Born in the north of England I have degrees in both science (genetics) and theology (Oxford). After ordination in the diocese of Chester I served a curacy on Merseyside before moving to Montreal to be incumbent of a parish north of the city. Later I moved into part time ministry to pursue graduate studies at McGill and then was elected onto the Faculty of Religious studies. After six years I left to take up a brand new position as Consultant for Ethics at the Anglican Church of Canada’s national office; a position from which I was seconded to the work of the Anglican Communion Office. In 2004, I was appointed as president of Atlantic School of Theology (AST), an ecumenical school which trains on behalf of Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United churches. After 10 years at AST I returned to parish ministry first as Theologian in Residence at Trinity Aurora, and then as Incumbent at St. Timothy, North Toronto.

It has been a long and slightly complicated journey, but coming to SMM brings a strong sense of coming home to a parish community whose musical and liturgical traditions bring me back to the roots that have nurtured me through all the places where God has taken me. I am looking forward to seeing where God might lead us as a community over the years ahead.

You can reach me via email: eric@stmarymagdalene.ca and by phone at 416-531-7955 ext. 3

The Rev. Jake Cunliffe, Assistant Curate

Jake comes to St. Mary Magdalene's from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and the Institute of Sacred Music in New Haven, Connecticut in the United States, where he completed his Master of Divinity degree in May 2022. He was ordained as a transitional deacon in June 2022. During 2021-22, he served as seminarian at Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport CT, and in 2020-21 he served at Church of the Holy Spirit, West Haven, CT. Originally from London in the United Kingdom, before his theological studies Jake spent four years in Columbus, Ohio with his spouse, Jenna. His church interests include global partnerships, Christian formation, and the role worship plays in shaping communities to live ethically. In his spare time Jake loves to follow sport (especially cricket!), hike, cook, and sing. Jake was ordained to the priesthood here at SMM on February 25, 2023.

His office hours are Mondays 9.00 am - 12.00 pm, and Thursdays 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm.

You can reach him at jake@stmarymagdalene.ca or at 416-531-7955 x 7

David Simon,
Director of Music

David Simon teaches organ, piano, and music theory at St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. His previous roles include Organist and interim Director of Music at St. James Cathedral in Toronto, Organist and Choirmaster at Berkeley Divinity School, Yale University, and Bevan Organ Scholar at Trinity College, University of Toronto. David won First Prize in the Royal Canadian College of Organists national organ playing competition and the University of Michigan organ improvisation competition, and has gone on to give concerts, deliver lectures, and teach students across North America. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Yale University and is a Fellow of the RCCO, winning the Willan Scholarship for top national achievement.

Elisabeth BEattie, Operations Manager

Born and raised in Toronto, Elisabeth has graduate degrees in English and Medieval Studies. She can read Latin, Old French, Old English and Middle English – which comes in handy at the Church of St Mary Magdalene!

She earned her stripes working at a busy law firm in Etobicoke, and is very pleased to be able to use the skills she developed there in the service of St Mary Magdalene’s. She reads voraciously on any topic available, enjoys obscure trivia, and sings. In her free time, she is an amateur photographer, swordswoman and re-enactor. Email: office@stmarymagdalene.ca

Duke Ringrose,
Sexton

Duke is the newest member of our team, and looks after our building and grounds. !We are very glad to have him on board!