Previous LibrariansHelen Cushnie
Helen and her husband, Wells, had been members of St. John’s since 1946 when they moved to Oakville. Both were teachers, but as was the custom of the time, Helen stayed at home and raised their five children, Mary, John, Scott, Anne and Victoria. Music and learning were important elements of the Cushnie family life. Helen was an accomplished pianist and taught music in her home for many years. In 1958, with Wells’ encouragement, Helen began to take courses at McMaster University. When Wells died in 1964, she attended full-time and earned her honours degree in Philosophy and Religion in 1966. Helen was an active member of the W.M.S. (Women’s Missionary Society) and later the U.C.W. She was a faithful member of the choir and played the organ whenever the regular organist was absent. But her lasting gift to St. John’s was to organize the church Library, a task in keeping with her talent and her passion. She was a tireless worker in the Library until about 1993 when Betty Canavan took over the position of Librarian. Helen died April 27, 1997, and it was at that time that the Library was designated the Helen Cushnie Library.Betty Canavan
Our church Librarian between 1988 to 2005, Betty Canavan, began her career as a bilingual secretary in Montreal. After marrying Ross Canavan in 1948 and raising four children, Joan, Glen, Janet and David, she attended Sheridan College to study Library Techniques as a full-time student. She soon found employment at a Toronto law firm from 1983 to 1988. Upon retirement, she volunteered to help Helen Cushnie in the church Library. This soon became her responsibility as Helen’s health began to fail. She found her years in the Library rewarding and enriching. She particularly enjoyed the children who visited her each Sunday in the Library, children who are now young adults, themselves. Each Sunday and Wednesday, Betty could be found in the church Library. While Ross attended Lunch Bucket Club or went to choir practice early on Sundays, she was faithfully working in the Library, keeping the contents in perfect order. She made many wonderful friends while serving in this capacity. In 2003, Vivienne Minstrell took over as Librarian. However, she moved away from Oakville about a year later, so Betty took over once again, until a new Librarian was found. Her years of service to our church community have been a gift to all.
St. John's United Church |
Although there has been a Library of sorts at St. John’s since the mid 1950’s, it was Helen Cushnie who established our present library collection in the 1970’s. 
