History

The Fund for Ministerial Assistance was established by an anonymous gift of one million dollars under an original indenture dated February 8, 1951. In 1983, following the death of the donor one week after his 100th birthday, as an expression of the church’s appreciation for the gift, the fund was renamed The Honourable Norman M. Paterson Fund for Ministerial Assistance. Senator Paterson and his beloved wife, Eleanor, maintained a life-long interest in the ministers of the church and their families and they hoped that their generosity might encourage the beneficence of others.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to ministers (or diaconal workers) of the Presbyterian Church in Canada whose stipend falls below a prescribed limit (established and reviewed by a committee of Appointors).

Eligibility Requirements

The indenture stated that gifts were to be made to eligible married ministers. Since then, eligibility has been extended to include ministers who are divorced and have custody of, or financial responsibility for, any children. To be eligible for benefits from the fund, family income must be less than $10,000 above minimum stipend (including applicable increments). These terms are subject to review and revision as the Appointors deem necessary.

Who to contact

A person considering applying for assistance from the fund must secure an application created by the FMA committee. Two avenues to pursue in securing an application are the Clerk of the presbytery who will receive a few applications with each application year, or Canada Ministries who administers the Fund on behalf of the Appointors.

At Canada Ministries you may contact:

Rev. Gordon Haynes
50 Wynford Drive
Toronto, ON
M3C 1J7
(416) 441-1111x258
1(800) 619-7301
Email: ghaynes@presbyterian.ca

All information provided and applications received are kept in strictest confidence.