About Our Church

Traditional with a twist. That’s how you might describe Wall Street United Church.

We are steeped in tradition. Since 1828, nearly 200 years, people have worshiped in this historic building and magnificent sanctuary complete with Casavant organ. We are also steeped in the long tradition of service and reaching out to those in need. Whether sponsoring refugees or displaced people, through offering free Sunday Suppers, organizing a food drive or simply a warm welcome.

So, what’s the twist? The twist is joy-filled modern praise music in worship. The twist is former alcoholics and addicts leading our Celebrate Life, evening worship service. The twist is a sanctuary full of guests for a gay wedding. The twist is a comment about us on Facebook that read: “What Christianity really means!” and “I’ve never seen the same level of love, acceptance, personal accountability and sense of community in any other church that I’ve seen at Wall Street.”

In short, the twist is a radical love that embraces God’s love for ALL people.

Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath

Meet the Team

Minister, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath

I was born in Lusaka, Zambia where my parents, Rev. Alan & Wendy Bennett, were serving as teachers through the United Church. When we returned to Canada we lived in Scotland, St. Catharines and then Brockville, Ontario. We spent every summer at the cottage east of Brockville on Blakey’s Point.

I studied History at McGill University and then attended Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto to earn my Masters of Divinity degree (which is a pretty cool title for a degree if you ask me!). More than 25 years ago I was ordained by the United Church of Canada and then sent to serve in Claresholm and Stavely, Alberta. There we learned a lot about ranching, farming and life in the foothills (we even owned a horse, 2 pigs and several chickens for a time). After living out west for 8 years, my family and I returned to Ontario in 2007 and I began serving at Wall Street United Church here in Brockville where I’ve been ever since.

In 2020, just before the pandemic started, I began a Doctorate in Ministry with a focus on preaching. I graduated in 2023. My husband, Alex, practices law in Brockville and we have four children. The oldest two, Anna and Stanley, are adults, off the pay roll and wonderful human beings. Petra is doing a degree in Nursing at Queen’s university and Maisie our youngest is in middle school. When I’m not in a committee meeting or writing a sermon I really enjoy hiking with our dog, Opal, open-water swimming or sailing.

ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching - 2023

Thesis by Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath

The goal of the sermon is not only to educate but to transform—a challenging and elusive task. How can a preacher create more transformative sermons? The answer may be in the preacher’s own church basement, hiding in plain sight. Three themes: Aware, Repair, Renew, describe in broad strokes the stages of the Twelve-Step program used by Alcoholics Anonymous to help transform an individual from addict or alcoholic to a life of sobriety and spiritual awakening. I argue that the themes of aware, repair, and renew have the potential to stir new life and deepen discipleship among listeners at a mainline church. I explore the way in which preachers can use these themes to structure their sermons, raise awareness of the hurt around us, encourage listeners to help transform lives, develop patience for repair, and instill faith in others.

Music Director, Samia O'Day

I’m passionate about creating a welcoming space where music helps deepen our connection to God and strengthens our sense of community. Through a blend of contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns, I aim to ensure that everyone feels invited to participate, no matter their musical background.

Working with Pastor Kim and the wonderful team here to create meaningful Sunday services is something I truly love. I also enjoy supporting our music team throughout the week as we prepare to enhance worship with music that will inspire and uplift the congregation.

In addition to my role at Wall Street, I am the Founder and Director of the Canada Music Academy, where I’ve had the joy of connecting thousands of students with talented music teachers across the country. My musical journey has been shaped by experiences such as winning the McGill Concerto Competition, releasing five albums, and receiving a FACTOR grant for my work as a singer-songwriter.

Music has always been central to my life, and I find so much joy in sharing that passion—whether by mentoring young musicians or leading the congregation in worship. With the support of a dedicated worship band, I’m committed to making our church a place where everyone feels welcome.

Peter Geertsema

Broadcast Operations

I am a keen and exerienced pickleball player and the leader of the Wall Street pickleball group. I’m also one of the chefs for our Friday breakfast program.

Karen Melville

Church Administrator

Wall Street has been my faith family since I noved here about 7 years ago. I love music and play violin in our worship band. I also like the outdoors and walking on the local trails with my dogs.