St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is welcoming a new minister - the first they've had in over seven years.
On March 18, the church held a special induction service for their new spiritual leader, Reverend Joye Platford.
Platford hails from the tiny town of Pinawa, Man., northeast of Winnipeg. Although Platford was always involved in church life growing up, she initially pursued a career in education, teaching for over two years in Winnipeg.
"I always joke that I went from teacher to preacher," laughs Platford.
After receiving her Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity from the Presbyterian College at McGill University, Platford was ordained at the age of 29 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg.
Although being a female minister might sound challenging, to Platford it's nothing out of the ordinary.
"You know, the Presbyterian Church in Canada has had women in ministry for over 45 years, so I don't see it as a challenge anymore," she said, adding half of seminary graduates are women.
She did, however, share an amusing anecdote, wherein she was approached by an old farmer after delivering a funeral service.
"He said, 'Joye, that was almost as good as a man,'" said Platford.
Beyond being a challenge, Platford sees her gender as a blessing in disguise.
"I think women are sometimes more attuned to the challenges of family life," said Platford.
This outlook may help her achieve her goal of keeping the church relevant to people's everyday lives.
"People's lives are so busy," said Platford, "so we need to connect with people."
Platford's favourite verse is Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
The message of this verse hit home when Platford was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer in 2009. Leaving her church in Medicine Hat, Alta., Platford returned to Manitoba to be with family while she underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
By the time she finished her treatments, in July 2010, the church in Medicine Hat had closed, so she looked elsewhere.
"I wanted to stay in Western Canada," said Platford of her decision to accept the position in the Battlefords, "and I'd been through here several times and thought it was really pretty."
No doubt, the scenery appeals to Platford on an artistic level, as she enjoys painting and crafts.
As Platford's position at the church is part-time, she will be looking for additional employment. She also hopes to become involved with the Canadian Cancer Society.
The induction service was attended by Town of Battleford Mayor Chris Odishaw and Councillor Ron Crush, on behalf of the City of North Battleford.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church has a special significance to Odishaw, as his ancestors were among the first parishioners - a plaque in the foyer recognizes the contributions of the Assyrian immigrants to the church community.
Also, Odishaw's grandparents attended the church, and his grandmother was involved in the ladies group, fundraisers and church events.
"She loved the church," said Odishaw, as he recounted how in later years, he would take her to church when she was no longer able to go on her own.
"When she passed away, I made a promise to help out the church," he said.
