Our Staff
Rev. Bill Mercer
Minister
Dr. David Chafe
Director of Music
Paul LeDrew
Sexton
Nancy Bursey
Office Coordinator
Rev. William Mercer joined the Wesley staff on September 1, 2005. Bill was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and moved to Bay Roberts, Newfoundland in 1980 where he became a member of Central United Church.
In 1982 he became a candidate for ministry (from Central United Church) and in 1983 began his undergraduate degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religious Studies. Following his graduation from MUN, he attended Emmanuel College in Toronto and completed his theological training in 1989 with a Master of Divinity. He was ordained by Newfoundland and Labrador Conference that same year at Gower Street United Church in St. John's.
He and his wife, Debra and their two children, Nicholas and Jeremy, were settled on the Old Perlican Pastoral Charge. Following his settlement charge, Bill has since served on the Harbour Grace, Curling (Corner Brook) and Green's Harbour Pastoral Charges.
Being born and raised in Toronto, Bill is a die-hard Maple Leafs fan and he knows this year (no need to say which year as he says this every year) is the year they win the Stanley Cup!
Dr. David Chafe has enjoyed a career of more than twenty-five years as a pianist and private music teacher in St. John’s. David earned his PhD in Sociology, Master of Music, Bachelor of Music (Honours), and Bachelor of Commerce all from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is in demand as a performer and adjudicator, and has served on boards of numerous arts and community organizations, including as Chair of the Board of VOWR.
He has recorded numerous award-winning solo and collaborative albums of Christian, classical and Christmas music, and has been pianist for several acclaimed choirs and soloists. All of David’s music is available on CD or for download and streaming on many online platforms.
David joined the Wesley Church family in 2021 and has since reimagined its music ministry while respecting its musical traditions. Thanks to Annabeth Loveys, Wesley Church also enjoys a thriving Hearts & Hands youth music ministry. Over the course of any given year, more than seventy singers and instrumentalists participate in our regular services and other special occasions that include singalongs and concerts, and our roster of singers has grown to thirty. David and the church’s audio/visual specialist Mark Chafe also produce a popular weekly video series called “Hymn Time” which is presented on the church’s YouTube and Facebook channels as well as David’s own YouTube page.
If you would like to become a part of our music ministry, contact David at
dbchafe@gmail.com.
Paul LeDrew
Sexton
Paul LeDrew began working part-time at Wesley in 1981 and, in November 1983, took over as full-time sexton and, with his family, moved into Wesley House. Paul was a member of the Male Choir at Wesley and has been a volunteer with VOWR for many years.
He looks forward to Tuesday mornings when he gets to play some of his favourite music and produce the 50 Plus Radio Show. Paul has also been a volunteer driver with The Canadian Cancer Society and is actively involved in M.A.D.D.
Nancy Bursey is the official Office Coordinator for Wesley United Church. She brings to the position many years of experience as an Executive Assistant with a strong background in office procedures. Nancy’s focus is on the day-to-day running and operation of the church office. She is also available to address the needs of members of the congregation. Nancy can be contacted either by phone or e-mail.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Phone:
709-579-3682
Fax:
709-579-3703
E-mail: