REVEREND WILLIAM BELL GLENESK

REVEREND WILLIAM BELL GLENESK B.A., B.D., M.A., A.R.C.T. Born in Toronto, October 18, 1926. Died in Yorkshire, UK, May 18, 2014. Survived by his brother, Ron Glenesk (Barbara Whitney) and Ron's children, Jennifer (United Kingdom), Tony and Margaret. William was a graduate of Malvern Collegiate, Victoria College, Emmanuel College, Columbia University (New York City) and the Royal Conservatory of Music (Speech Arts and Drama). He began his career in 1953 with the United Church of Canada in Magnetawan, ON before moving to New York City. For 20 years, William ministered there, most notably at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church (Brooklyn Heights) where he was innovative in introducing performing arts and including celebrated actors, musicians and dancers into the worship service. During the next 10 years, William taught Speech Arts and Drama at the Royal Conservatory of Music and served congregations in Canada and the US before relocating to the UK. He was assigned to a "circuit" of Methodist churches in London and also served as chaplain at the Pentonville Prison before retiring in 1992 to the spa town of Harrogate, Yorkshire where his thought provoking sermons continued to inspire. Sincere thanks to Jennifer who attended to many of her uncle's affairs after William's move to England and was instrumental in arranging for his funeral, held on June 3, 2014 in Harrogate. A Memorial Service in Toronto will be announced at a later date.