Each year, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria celebrates members who have been part of our congregation for many years. These individuals have contributed their talents, energy, and presence in countless ways, shaping our community and helping it thrive.
In October 2025, we recognize a new group of long-time members. Their stories highlight decades of commitment, volunteerism, and connection, and together they remind us of the many ways our congregation is sustained by dedicated hearts and hands.
This year we honour:
- LYNN HUNTER – 22 years
- LOUISE DE LUGT – 22 years
- ISABEL JONES – 22 years
- HUGO SUTMOLLER 22 years
- JOHN DALGETY & SUSAN LEAN – 22 years
- LIZ & MIKE GRAHAM – 23 years
- ROBIN SACKER-VAN GESSEL – 23 years
- AMALIA SCHELHORN – 24 years
- PHYLLIS GIRARD 24 years
- LOU LENTZ, STEPHEN LENTZ & EMMA LENTZ – 24 years
- PETER HANCOCK – 40 years
- FRAN HANCOCK – 40 years
- MARY CRAMER – 40 years
- PAT CONROY – 40 years
Throughout October, you can view a special display in the Lion Hall after Sunday services (10:00–12:30), beginning October 5. The display features photos and write-ups of this year’s honourees. A recognition ceremony will also take place during the October 26 Sunday Service.
Below you’ll find the full collection of stories and photos we’ve received so far.
Lynn Hunter - 22 years
My years of involvement with this community have been rich in friendships, learning and service.
I started attending services in the summer of 2002. I had very limited knowledge of a spiritual community and was wary of organized religion.
That summer the Minister was away so there were guest speakers each week. I was intrigued by the respect for the diversity of spiritual practices during those services. The emphasis on social justice fit with my values. I attended regularly as Rev. Jane Bramadat returned to the pulpit.
The community welcomed me warmly and I had lots of stimulating conversations at coffee time.
As a long time resident of Victoria and with my political career I knew a number of people and was introduced to many others. One of those people was Don Armstrong.
I was drawn to his quiet intelligence and dry wit. Our relationship grew. I feel so fortunate we had a 20 year, loving relationship until his death in March 2022.
Over the years I served on a variety of committees including the Board. Some of the committees I have been part of include the Environmental Action team, the Ethel May Fund, Lifeline, the Committee on Ministry, Truth Healing and Reconciliation UU (THRUU) and the Nominating Committee.
I found it enjoyable to work alongside other caring individuals motivated to make our community and the world a better place. These small groups are also where I really got to know people better. These are my people.
I have also felt so supported by this community. It was shown most intensely around Don’s death. I really felt held in kindness. That feeling continues to this day.
Louise De Lugt - 22 years
I'm thrilled at being recognized as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria for 22 years!
I originally went to one of Vann Knight's spaghetti dinners that he held to orient potential new members to the church and its philosophy where I met Gloria Turner, a good friend since then. I have never looked back.
I'm so very pleased with our congregation--and especially--our current ministers! I've felt supported and inspired by all.
I've volunteered on the Welcome Team as an usher and greeter for many years. I'm currently also on the Membership Committee and have just finished my two two year commitments on the Nomination Committee. I've participated in Circle Dinners, Spaghetti Night, Souper Sundays, Chalice Circle, and more! I'm currently a member of a lovely women's group.
I look forward to many more years with this congregation.
A bit about me...I was born in Zimbabwe and have now lived in 4 different countries (Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Canada). I inherited my parents' love for travel and adventure, and worked for many years as an RN. Now, I work part-time as an Uber driver. I love animals and am passionate about life!
Isabel Jones - 22 years
For 58 years, being a member of a UU community has been an anchor for my life. First, in the Kitchener-Waterloo Fellowship, then 32 years in First Unitarian Ottawa, where my children were actively involved and now, 22 years plus, with this congregation.
What is it, besides all of you, that keeps me returning? The joy and satisfaction of my choir family, of course! But, oh, it is the words, the thought-provoking words and ideas of guidance and strengthening, of sadness and solace, inspiration and imagination and, sometimes, a good laugh. I am so grateful for these gifts from this community to me.
Hugo Sutmoller - 22 years
I joined our UU community in 1995 when our church was in the transition of moving from Superior Street to our present location. It was an enormous amount of work to make this facility ready for our congregation, initially with two services on Sunday morning.
I was fortunate to join a working group headed by Ted Furness and Ron Neilson. I served four years on the board on the Property Management Council.
I also volunteered for many years organizing hospitality time, offering tea and coffee tea after the service.
The 8 principles of our church suit my personal beliefs and values.
John Dalgety & Susan Lean - 22 years
John and I came to the church after Bob & Sheila Shone (old time members) spoke to John about it. John, being a staunch atheist, was very skeptical.
On the Sunday John went, he came home saying he felt a strong feeling of welcome and love when he walked in.
Rev. Jane was just starting her ministry at the time and she had to answer all of John’s questions (which he had a lot of) which she did to his astonishment.
From there we started our very busy life at the church, volunteering and making many close friendships which are still very strong. The last few years we are just two members coming to church on Sunday to listen and meet with whoever is there to catch up on the news. We will also volunteer to put on a pancake breakfast every now and then.
Liz & Mike Graham - 23 years
We joined this community when we moved here from Vancouver in 2001. We had previously been members of the Vancouver Unitarian Church since 1992 and were married there in 1993.
This congregation has formed the core of our lives in Victoria. We have found friendship and a great sense of belonging, challenge and personal growth.
For Mike the high points have been chairing the team organizing the CUC Annual Conference in 2010 and his work on the Board including 3 years as President.
For Liz the high points have been serving as a Lay Chaplain for 6 years, teaching the CUC Basics course for lay chaplains and serving as a Service Leader then Worship Associate.
For both of us, we have found the notes that brighten our lives by singing in the choir!
Robin Sacker-Van Gessel - 23 years
My mum used to say that most of her friends were Unitarians but they just didn't know it. Thanks to her, I have been a Unitarian since I was 7, and have also known it!
We started in Vancouver and Seabeck and then I was a young adult in Toronto, before living in countries that don't have UU communities for many years and finally coming to Victoria in 2002.
Then I made a bee line for the choir and started coming a week before Jane Bramadat started her tenure. Before I started working, the choir was my number one community and where I shared the discovery of my biological family, as well as many joys and losses that followed.
I chaired the Music Committee for a few years, with music directors Sally, Margo and Phil. I brought my two children to church from the time they were 4 and 6 until they flew the coop as young adults. They still come for Christmas Eve.
I was a member of the Nominating Committee for a few, have helped with Coffee and AV. I occasionally contribute and always participate in the the auction, join the Monday walks during summer and school breaks, and I rarely miss a Pub Night.
UUCV has always been my source of comfort and inspiration--for causes I hold dear and joyful and challenging life events. Here's to another 23!
Amalia Schelhorn - 24 years
I first attended Unitarian services in Comox, where my husband and I were raising our 4 children. I wanted my family to be educated but not indoctrinated in religion and spirituality. We joined this UU congregation after moving to Victoria in 2000.
I am a member of the Royal Oak West neighbourhood group and part of ECAC, the Environmental and Climate Action Committee.
Over the years I have used my background as a professional dancer to contribute to the congregation in a number of ways: I have danced at various services, most notably those planned by Christine Johnston; created Christmas pageants and co-created others with Faye Mogensen; choreographed and had my students perform to Tobin Stokes' moving Missa Brevis commissioned by this congregation.
More recently, you may have seen the dance I made against old growth logging to “Stop, in the Name of Love”, or might remember some large mushroom hats wandering through the building, or, just last month, may have grooved along to the dance that I choreographed for the ABC campaign.
I have found inspiration and solace in this congregation full of people who live their values.
I will always be grateful for the outpouring of support and compassion that came from this community when my husband died in 2008. Happily, just last December I re-married to Yves Parizeau.
Phyllis Girard - 24 years
I'm very pleased to be recognized for 24 years membership in Victoria Unitarian Church.
My Unitarian journey began in a tiny fellowship in Boise, Idaho over 60 years ago. I was searching for religious education for my 3 daughters where the concepts of evil, guilt and sin would not be pressed on them. I wasn't quite sure how you could have a Sunday school for children without the Bible and basic Christian concepts. A Unitarian friend advised me to attend a week long religious educators retreat just south of Seattle which I did. Not only was I persuaded that I had found my religious home but it also became the turning point for leaving United States and moving to Canada.
We moved to Vancouver in 1968 and attended the church at 49th and Oak where Philip Hewitt was the minister. My children were happy in the church program and I did quite a bit of happy volunteering - serving as the chair of the R.E committee, advisor to the LRY and Chair of the annual Services Auction in 30 years of membership.
In 1998 my husband Herb and I moved to Victoria and we became active members of the Unitarian Church. At that time our daughter, Stephanie Ippen, was the religious education coordinator, and Vann Knight was the minister. The church had moved from a downtown location to the new building.
There was a lot of new energy and excitement in the church. Many people were involved in every detail of the building. New programs began and enthusiasm reverberated in the church Hall.
Now 27 years later many things have changed and some things have stayed the same. For myself I would highlight two things that mean the most to me. First- hiring Rev Melora and Rev Shauna is still awe inspiring to me. They are gracious, intelligent, thoughtful, honest and each offer a different view of the world. They have made it a welcoming Church especially for the LGBT community. And opened the church to outside community with Spirited jazz and Interfaith committees. They have increased our membership, hallelujah! I want our community to be here for people who are searching for a better way to live as I once did.
Secondly I belong to a women's group and we found each other at church. There are eight of us and we have been meeting for over 20 years. These connections have sustained me with friendship and support. We've had deep discussions, fun adventures, opportunities to meet in each other's homes, and many times help each other out.
Hope this is an inspiration for others.
Fran Hancock - 40 years
The Cadboro Bay NG was well established when our young family was vacuumed into the arms of Lorraine Ayres, who was then the RE director of the church.
Later we moved to Royal Oak West NG where I served as the Convenor for 18 years, then back to Cadboro Bay where I have been the liaison for the Care and Concern Committee for 7 years.
I served on the FUCV Board as Human Resources Chair and then joined the FUCV Foundation as the Vice President, Secretary and then President; Chair of Ushers and Greeters; Secretary of the Zoie Gardner Overseas Fund for ten years, then liaisons to three of its charities.
Other committees on which I have served are Membership, the Church Auction, the Book Sale and Memorial Services as well as the Legacy Circle.
The most inspirational committee I have volunteered on was the Zoie Gardner Overseas Fund which improved the lives of thousands of girls and young females living in poverty by giving them access to schooling which helped them, their families and their communities.
With gratitude,
Fran Hancock
Lou Lentz, Stephen Lentz & Emma Lentz – 24 Years
Stephen began with the Unitarian Universalist Community, in Ottawa about 37 years ago. He introduced Lou to the community in Vancouver about 33ish years ago. We three arrived in Victoria in October of 2001. We arrived on a Saturday in a U-Haul truck. The next day being Sunday we attended church. We had arrived home. We were welcomed into the community and completely integrated immediately.
We value the space, the community and the learning opportunities.
There are many special memories that began at our first Sunday: a conversation with Wilma Neilson, her hosting a tea to welcome us to the Esquimalt Neighbourhood Group, working on the grounds on Saturdays, conversations and tea with Nancy MacMurchy and Evelyn Buel over the newsletter, spending Sunday mornings in the nursery with Kirsten, being on the Board with Julia Varga, participating in the pageants and singing with the JAMMERS are a few of the ways we have been involved.
Peter Hancock - 40 years
My involvement with the church started soon after we bought our first house in Victoria. Across the street was Lorraine Ayers who was the Director of religious education at the Unitarian Church on Superior St.
Our son and daughter were soon drafted in Lorraine's RE program. and Fran and I listened to the sermons of Felix Lion in the upstairs part of the Church.
After ten years we outgrew our Church building and I became part of a team to look at sites in the Greater Victoria area that offered more space. Our choice of 5575 W, Saanich did offer more space but meeting every Sunday was challenged by the size of the Lion Hall. But, we fundraised and built our present Sanctuary and added an outdoor deck on to the Lion Hall.
I felt inspired by the Church’’s growth and joined The Board of Governors to ensure that we could survive out in the country far away from the population centre of Victoria. Most of my volunteer time has been with Property and I am very proud to be part of team that saves the Church thousands of dollars by doing the jobs like gardening, painting, gutter cleaning, window washing, and A/V production.
As I have had a lifetime interest in music, especially singing, I happily joined the church choir when we moved to W. Saanich Road and served as the Music Committee chair during Nick Fairbanks tenure as choir director.
I served as Secretary-Treasurer of the FUCV Foundation from 2012-18 which helped to support Indigenous students through bursaries at Camosun College as well as the supporting the Music Program in our church by supporting professional musicians during services.
This will be the third time since the Church moved out to West Saanich Road that I have been Property Committee Chair as it is a cohesive and hardworking group who help to maintain and improve the buildings and grounds.
Joining the Audio Team after moving to the Saanich location was rewarding for the last 24 years. As the need for safe gatherings gradually increased with COVID spreading, the construction of a sound booth to enable Zoom meetings for those who were compelled to remain in safe quarters.
In 2020 the honour of Elder was bestowed to Peter and Fran Hancock for “their long dedicated and faithful service to this church.” My devotion to this Church is recognition of the nourishment the Church has given me over these 4 decades.
Mary Cramer - 40 years
I grew up in Springfield, Ohio and soon after becoming an RN and getting married, I moved to Toronto with my then husband, who was a pacifist. A couple from the First Unitarian Church of Toronto were assisting us in our transition and took us to Flower Communion Sunday in 1968. From that service on, I have always considered myself a Unitarian.
Pat and I met in Victoria at daycare, when we were both single parents, and eventually began attending this congregation in 1985. We became members 2 weeks later.
I have been involved with the Membership Committee, YAC (Youth Adult Committee), the Committee on Ministry, Convener of the Gordon Head Neighbourhood Group, Care and Concern Contact, the Memorial Team, Recognition and Awards Committee, the Service Auction Committee, the Project Management Committee (construction of our sanctuary building) and a long term part of the group putting on Spaghetti Nights, which became Community Dinners. That also involved Burns Night Dinners, Pancake Breakfasts and one Community Dinner on a Valentine's Day that turned into a surprise Wedding.
When our daughter, Ashley, was 6, her RE (Religious Education) teacher, Suellen Guenther, asked me to take photos of her class each year. That was 40 years and thousands of photos ago. Since then, these photos have been used in church photo albums, displayed on the photoboard, used in the ABC videos, in church brochures, in the Breeze directory, for memorial services and more.
A favorite memory of mine is that when we joined, I was obviously pregnant and multiple folks asked me when the baby was due. I thought they showed such great interest, but then I realized they wanted to know if this baby would be available to be the baby in the upcoming Christmas pageant that was held each year! He was available! Elliot was 2 weeks old when he was baby Jesus for the 2 Christmas services!
Pat Conroy - 40 years
I had some unhappy experiences in my exposure to traditional religions as a child and adult which left me somewhat jaundiced about the whole thing.
Mary kind of dragged me to the Unitarian Church on Superior Street with me saying “If they don't believe in God, what do they believe in anyway”.
I was press ganged by Wilma Neilson onto the Finance Committee as soon as I became a member. She was nice about it tho'.
I was on the Finance Committee for many years, also involved the children's program's in the downstairs dungeon at Superior St., the AYS (About Your Sexuality) program with Ruth Ralston, the youth group with Debbie Faulk (including taxi service), the Finance Task Force with Ted Humphries, the Banner Guy (in tights) at our ACM, Investment Committee member and currently the Finance Review Committee chair. I was in the JAMMERS, who sang at various care homes, and currently in the Chalice Choir and the Men's Choir. I am one of Earle Anthony's team for various painting jobs around our buildings.
Needless to say, I have found my home and community here.