St. Stephen, Downsview is blessed with a strong team of leaders and staff that are dedicated to ensuring that the church attains its goals and operates efficiently, through collaboration and teamwork with parishioners and ministry leaders.
Rev. Theo Ipema
Interim Priest-In-Charge
Theo first came to Canada with his family from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as part of the postwar wave of immigration from Europe. The family settled initially in northern Manitoba and then moved to Calgary.
In Calgary he was introduced to the Anglican Church by a high school friend. Having been brought up in the Reformed tradition, he liked what he saw and heard, and soon began singing in the choir of the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer.
He moved to Toronto to attend the Faculty of Divinity of Trinity College, was ordained in 1975, and became a curate at St James’ Cathedral.
As Fr. Ipema explains, “While I was at the cathedral, there was a phone call from the church on Huron Street, from someone looking for a priest to take the place of another who had suddenly become unavailable for a weekday Mass.”
Young Fr. Ipema moved to St. Thomas’s, where he celebrated Mass for the first time in the Lady Chapel, or as he fondly calls it, “Our Lady’s Closet.”
Greg Watson
Parish Administrator
Greg Watson, Parish Administrator, has been with St Stephens since Jun 2019, and has more than a decade of service with various churches in various roles.
Allan Austin
Sexton
What gives me the most joy serving in ministry is knowing that I’m not in service to man, I participate in ministry to advance the kingdom of God. Because “I can do all thing to through Christ who strengthens me.”
David Adesina During
Music Director
David has been serving as Supply Organist in 2010. Music is a powerful medium through which we are able to express emotions, deep feelings and sentiments as we commune with God. The music ministry seeks to facilitate this experience as often as possible. When we can truly address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and when we are able to sing and make melody to the Lord with our hearts, then, such joyous moments make me truly joyful.
Orphtee Quarcoo
Rector’s Warden
I have been a member of St. Stephen for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to participate in and assist with various ministries over the years. Through this, I have gotten to know people on a deeper level, while deepening my relationship with God, which gives me great joy.
Tellece Woodbine-James
People’s Warden
I have been a dedicated member of the Church of St. Stephen’s for more than 20 years. Finding both community and purpose within the walls of the church. I have been called to serve in a variety of ministries that have shaped my faith and spiritual journey resulting in me strengthening my connection to the God we serve. My roles have included Leader of the Welcoming Ministry, Assistant Camp Director, Counter and Sunday School teacher, each offering a unique opportunity to uplift and support each other.
My long standing involvement reflects not only my devotion to St. Stephen’s, but also my belief in the importance of service, fellowship and spiritual growth.
Today, I continue that commitment as People’s Warden. Striving to serve with compassion, integrity and a deep love for our church community.