Clergy & History
Our History
The Parish Church of St. Luke is steeped in history. It has been at Burlington’s core since 1834. Just last October, we celebrated our 190th anniversary.
For his support of the Crown during the American Revolutionary Wars, Joseph Brant received 3000 acres of land known as Brants Block. From this land a parcel was donated, by his daughter Elizabeth Kerr, for the use of the church. The church was built on this land and, with the support of many United Empire Loyalist families, St. Luke’s was formed.
Elizabeth Kerr, along with her husband are both buried in St. Luke’s cemetery on the west side of the church. Joseph Brant was originally buried here, until he was later returned to the Royal Chapel of the Mohawks.
Early pictures of the church depict St. Luke’s as a simple white structure nestled among trees. From the front door looking south, it commanded a stunning view of the lake. Other pictures show the inside of the church with a balcony and two aisles leading to the altar. These were all later removed to have one centre aisle. There are many stained glass windows in the church along with several commemorative plaques.
Many of our former rectors are also buried in the cemetery along with several long standing and prominent citizens of Burlington. In the last several years three columbaria have been added. A walk through our cemetery is a walk through history.
Services
Sunday 8:15 am
Holy Communion – Traditional
Sunday 10:00 am
Holy Eucharist – Contemporary (livestreamed)
Wednesday 10:00 am
Holy Communion – Traditional
Land acknowledgment
For thousands of years, indigenous people have walked on this land. Their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives and spirituality. We are gathered on the traditional land of several indigenous people including the Neutrals, the Mississauga, the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their continuing stewardship of this land.
Our Congregation
Members of our congregation can access the church directory here.
Our Clergy
Rev. Canon Dr. Drew MacDonald
Interim Priest in Charge
Reach Drew by emailing office@stlukesburlington.ca.
Rev. Michael Coren
Pastoral Associate
Rev Michael Coren is a pastoral associate at St. Luke’s, where he regularly presides and preaches, takes funeral and wedding services, brings communion to those unable to attend church, and visits hospitals and long-term care homes. For many years he was a well-known journalist and broadcaster and he still writes columns and books. Email Michael at mcoren@sympatico.ca.
Rev. Leonel Abaroa Boloña
Pastoral Associate
Rev. Leonel Abaroa Boloña was born in Cuba, and came to Canada in 2005 for an academic program. Ordained in 2018, he has served St Luke’s since 2019. Email Leonel at leonel@stlukesburlington.ca.
Rev. Deacon Sheila Plant
Vocational Deacon
Rev. Deacon Sheila Plant B.A., B.Ed., FVGEC, CEGV is the Parish Deacon. After a 32 year career as an elementary school teacher, she was ordained as a vocational deacon in 2008. Sheila is deeply involved with liturgy, pastoral care, christian education and outreach. She is also a member of the Church of England Guild of Vergers and in 2022 received her certificate as a Fellow of the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church. She is also an on call chaplain at Joseph Brant and works closely with the staff at Smith’s Funeral Home in conducting funeral services. Reach Sheila by emailing office@stlukesburlington.ca.