Rev. Scott Patton reflects on retirement and the future of the United Church
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
As the United Church of Canada prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, Rev. Scott Patton is also marking a milestone of his own: retirement after 34 years in ministry. Having served congregations from Toronto to Montreal and, most recently, in the Eastern Townships, Patton brings to a close a career shaped by persistence, progress, and deep community ties.
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Patton said in an interview reflecting on his time in ministry. “This has been the first time I’ve ever had a pastoral care-only position—and also the first time I’ve worked as part of a team.”
Patton moved to the Townships four years ago, taking up a half-time pastoral care role based primarily at the Wales Home. “I was hoping to retire at 61,” he said, “but I found out the pension penalty would cost me 16 per cent. So, the half-time position was perfect—it helped me bridge those final years.” That opportunity came through an unexpected phone call even before he arrived in the area, when a retiring chaplain offered to pass along the role.
Soon after settling in, Patton became one of four lay worship leaders at Lennoxville United Church, along with his partner Rev. Ron Coughlin, Jamie Crooks, and Bruce Gilbert. Originally intended as a temporary solution following the departure of then-minister Linda Buchanan, the shared ministry extended to three years. “The congregation loves it,” Patton said. “But I think the church really needs a full-time minister. There’s a lot more to ministry than Sunday worship.”
Looking back over his decades of service, Patton highlighted the long-term relationships he formed in each community. “I’ve always prided myself on lingering,” he said. “Some people move on every few years—I stayed 14 years in east Toronto and 11 years in Montréal.” His impact remains tangible. One longtime congregant from Summerlea United Church in Lachine, where he served from 2010 to 2021, recently requested that Patton return to officiate her funeral. He’ll travel back to Montreal in June to do just that.
