Rev. Foster Freed
Rev. Foster Freed has been the minister at Knox United Church since 1993.
Originally from New York City, Foster received his Bachelor of Arts degree (with a major in theatre) from the Fine Arts Faculty at York University in Toronto, Ontario. He worked in business for 10 years before returning to full-time academic studies in 1986. He graduated from the Vancouver School of Theology in 1990 with a Master of Divinity degree.
Foster then served for 3 years at the United Church in Hornepayne, Ontario, before coming to Parksville to serve at Knox.
Foster and his wife, Sherry, home-school their four children: Rachael, Jordan, Kristen and Bethany. Foster’s delight in new learning and in books is nearly boundless
As pastor of Knox United Church in Parksville, BC, Foster has encouraged his congregation to enter into the Christian movement with their heart and soul – no matter where they live on the theological continuum. Many people in his pastoral charge belong to home study groups, and there has even been a group called ‘The Heretics Group’ – demonstrating that all who wish to go deeper in their life of faith are welcome at Knox United Church. Foster has encouraged animated team ministry and he volunteers his time to serve on VST’s Diploma in Christian Spirituality Advisory Committee.
Foster has served as president of British Columbia Conference of the United Church of Canada. At the May 2006 Annual Meeting of BC Conference, he was appointed to the General Council Executive of the United Church of Canada.