Our Lay Chaplains
First Unitarian’s team of experienced lay chaplains performs weddings, memorial services, child dedications and other rites of passage for people who are not members of our congregation. Over thirty years ago our congregation was one of the first faith communities in Toronto to conduct same-sex unions and we are now delighted to be able to offer legal weddings for all couples.
Lay Chaplains are members of our Congregation who have been selected carefully for this important role. They are specially trained to provide these ceremonies and are provincially licensed wedding officiants. Their training is overseen by the Canadian Unitarian Council through the Ministry and Lay Chaplaincy Committee. As well, Unitarian Lay Chaplains across Canada form an organization which provides workshops for professional development.
They are here to help you create the ceremony you desire. Our personalized approach is our hallmark, specializing in both opposite and same sex weddings of varied religious and cultural components.
Weddings
The basic fee for weddings is $300 which includes meeting personally with the couple, helping with the selection of the components of the ceremony, drafting a ceremony that is unique to each couple, officiating and taking care of the legal documents. There are additional costs for a rehearsal and for travel outside the city.
Memorial Services, Funerals and Grave-side Services
The basic fee for a memorial service or funeral is $300 which includes meeting personally with the family or friends of the deceased, helping with the selection of the components of the ceremony, drafting a ceremony that reflects the deceased and celebrates his or her life, and conducting the service. There are additional costs for travel outside the city.
Child Namings and Dedications
The basic fee for a child naming or dedication ceremony is $250 which includes meeting personally with the family, helping with the selection of the components of the ceremony, drafting a ceremony that reflects the values and wishes of the family and performing the ceremony. There are additional costs for travel outside the city.
Other Services
Fees available on request.
For more information about our Lay Chaplains or to be put in touch with them please contact our Chaplain Coordinator at 416-924-9654 x301 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
More information about the Lay Chaplaincy program is available from the Canadian Unitarian Council.
Our Lay Chaplains are Peter Brydon, Margo Holland, Margaret Kohr and Chris Wulff. Learn more about our lay chaplains through the Chaplain’s Chat.
Peter Brydon
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Peter Brydon brings his dramatic background and his long experience as a high school teacher to his activities as a lay chaplain. He has a warm and empathetic nature, and he looks forward to meeting with you and helping you plan the service which is just right for you, whether it be a joyous celebration or a time of mourning. He loves music and enjoys singing in Toronto First’s choir. He has been married to Wendy Peebles for twenty-five years and they have two young adult sons. "You conducted a beautiful service, and I thank you again. Everything went well and you deserve a lot of the credit. You read Fern Hill with great feeling and you talked about my daughter as if you knew her for 34 years." - JQ |
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Margo Holland
Margaret Kohr
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Margaret Kohr was married by a lay chaplain in 1984, and has been active in the Toronto First Congregation since 1994, when she and her husband wanted a spiritual community where their two sons could explore religion in a liberal environment. Margaret's long time career as a lawyer with the Ontario Public Service has developed her skills in mediation and organisation and she is known for approaching whatever she does with integrity and purpose. Her personal experiences as spouse, mother, sister, and friend have deepened her ability to listen with an open mind and heart. She is committed to performing ceremonies that reflect the desires of the individuals involved. "Much thanks for your patience, and your willingness to work on such a short schedule." - JB "We've reviewed your ceremony draft and really like your recommendations ..." - JH "Thank you SO much for everything you have done." - PH |
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Christopher Wulff
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Our newest Lay Chaplain has been a member of First since his childhood. Currently studying to become a Minister at Emmanuel College, he looks forward to working with you to make a service that honours your desires and beliefs. Having worked in newcomer communities for many years he has an abundance of experience working with interfaith and intercultural families, so services that integrate our many heritages is one of his strengths. With a warm and joyous presence, Christopher can help you mark times of mourning and celebration with a continuing reverence and hope for the future. |
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