On Sept. 19, 1964, a young blond Rector, Robert Hulse, arrived at Christ Anglican Church in Drayton as the new minister.
Fifty years later, with a few grey hairs mixed in with the blond, he is still actively ministering at the church.
During his tenure at Christ Anglican Church, Reverend Hulse has been involved in all aspects of congregational life. He has baptized, confirmed, married and buried generations of church members.
Adults living in the Mapleton area may remember Hulse when he taught religious classes at Drayton Junior School and was relief support at Alma Public School. Two days per week, he can be found at St. John’s Kilmarnock teaching students. As a young Rector, one of Hulse’s dreams became a reality with the establishment of St. John’s Kilmarnock School, Elora in 1972.
Not one to sit idle, Hulse was instrumental in the formation of the Elora Festival and the Elora Festival Singers under the capable direction of Noel Edison.
Local Rotarians enjoyed his monthly meals for over 40 years. Hulse helped plan, cook and serve at Rotary Club dinners. He could be seen wearing an apron as he mashed potatoes, cut meat and poured tea (friends joke that somehow he always had an 8 o’clock meeting to attend and got out of doing dishes and final clean up).
In his later years, Hulse was granted the title of Canon by the Anglican Church. The title of Reverend Canon Robert Hulse, has not changed the man who prefers to be called Robert.
Hulse received the Order of Canada in 2005. His outstanding contribution to the arts, education and charity in his community and church, were recognized.
This man of faith will continue to provide Sunday services at the little white church on the corner of Main and Elm Streets in Drayton at 9:30am.
