Founded early in the 19th Century (1819), St. Peter’s considers itself a 21st Century church. As the only Anglican church in Cobourg, and with large and architecturally significant buildings, it enjoys a major place in the life of Cobourg and beyond. Our vision is Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Growing and Lifelong Serving in the Body of Christ.
Our Clergy
PRIEST in CHARGE
The Reverend Matthew McMillan
On December 1, 2022, Fr. Matt was appointed as Priest in Charge of St. Peter’s and began his ministry among us.
DEACON
The Reverend William Simon
On June 04, 2022, Rev. Will was ordained Deacon at St. Peter’s and began his ministry among us.
DEACON
The Reverend Sheila Archer
Rev. Sheila has been a Deacon at St. Peter’s for many years, but she now considers herself to be “semi-retired” and likes to pursue her various hobbies: all of her grandchildren, watching the boys play hockey, knitting, quilting with her sister, and reading.
Wardens
St Peter’s has four Church Wardens who are responsible for the staff, property, and finances of the parish. They also have oversight of the various church ministries which are grouped into ‘Ministry Clusters’ or groups.
Colin Turnpenney
Rector’s Warden
Susan Winfrow
People’s Warden
Colleen Simon
Deputy Rector’s Warden
John Lindsay
Deputy People’s Warden
Our Lay Staff
Racquel Devison
Parish Administrator
Racquel has taken over as the Parish Administrator while Tina Woodhouse is away. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Queens, and is working on her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Raquel brings experience in the administrative field, and is proficient in data management and organization.
Jan Stapleton
Church School Director
Jan was born in Scarborough and following graduation from high school attended the University of Toronto Erindale Campus. As teaching was always her ultimate goal she then attended the Faculty of Education at the U of T. Her teaching career began in ‘The North’ where she lived and taught on two different reserves; Osnaburgh, affectionately called ‘Oz’ and Pikangikum or ‘Pik’. After six years it was off to Akwesasne which is a reserve that sits within two countries, two provinces and a state. Then she moved closer to home settling in Cobourg. She has taught at both at The Burnham School and Terry Fox School over the last 20 years.
Jan’s is an organist’s daughter and the church has always been a big part of her life. Even in the bush when the language was different, the scripture was the same. She has sung in choirs, taught Sunday school, helped run dinner dances, prepared communion, done dishes, made multiple banners and generally tucked in where ever there was a need. When the need arose for a Sunday School ‘head’.she felt a very strong ‘call’ to this position. Jan has been in the position of Director of the Sunday School since 2002 and continues to run the amazing educational programmes at St. Peter’s, including VBS (Vacation Bible School).
Although her careers often run parallel to each other, children, education, passing on the love of Christ and bringing children of all ages into that love is always at the heart.
Syd Birrell
Director of Music
Syd’s CV is multifaceted and dynamic. Born in Sarnia, ON, he began his musical career as a young chorister at St. George’s Anglican Church in Montreal. He studied at the Royal School of Church Music in London, England, and at the Royal College of Music. Syd is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.
Read more about Syd by clicking HERE.
Elizabeth Vosburgh
Parish Nurse
Elizabeth Vosburgh has been a parishioner at St. Peter’s for 35-plus years. She is a Registered Nurse with a Business Degree along with multiple certifications in both Health Care and Human Resources. Her last position was Senior Vice President at Northumberland Hills Hospital, where she retired in 2022. Not being one for sitting still for long, Elizabeth accepted a six-month interim position in January 2023 as the CEO for Canadian Mental Health Association in the Quinte area.
Elizabeth continues to work as a coach/facilitator for Queen’s University in the Industrial Relations Program on a part time basis and also helps support organizations with either Health Care or Human Resources/Management needs.
Elizabeth has two grown children: Michael, who is actively involved in the family business, Vosburgh Home Decor, and Sarah, who is a local Naturopathic Doctor and married to Ryan Cichowski. She has two grandchildren, Quorra (12) and Peyton (16 months).
Elizabeth, along with her husband Brian, and dog Millie, resides in Cobourg.
Click Here to learn more about Elizabeth and her plans to re-launch the Parish Nurse ministry.
Emily Smith
Preschool Supervisor
I graduated from Niagara College with my diploma in Early Childhood Education and am a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. I have worked as an ECE with all ages of children since 2008
Eunice Cole
Parish Bookkeeper
Eunice is our much loved bookkeeper. Having completed more than 10 years as Parish Administrator, Eunice decided to take some time for her husband and grandchildren. She continues to care for our books and we are glad that she is still with us.
Eunice and her husband, Sid, live on a hobby farm north of Cobourg.