Biography

The Reverend Dr. J. Peter Holmes has served as the Minister of the historic Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto for over 25 years. It is the largest Baptist Church in the area, and his commitment to pastoral care and a ministry of preaching is peerless.

A graduate of the Doctor of Ministry program at Acadia Divinity College, the Reverend Dr. Holmes is a thoughtful leader who encourages diversity in his congregation and partnerships with the wider community.  Under his leadership, Yorkminster Park responds to inner city needs with an overnight Out of the Cold program, a refugee sponsorship and support program, Meals on Wheels, the House of Compassion providing 24/7 support for those dealing with severe mental illness, and as a partner in the local food bank.

The Reverend Dr. Holmes also exudes a boundless, generous spirit. His warmth and integrity have brought together disparate faith groups to focus on common values, and he has been influential in developing close relationships between Christian churches and the Jewish and Muslim communities of faith.

His leadership nationally and commitment locally to the Acadia Divinity College are unparalleled. Preachers and faith practitioners alike owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his hard work and dedication to theological education and ecumenical engagement.

Rev. Dr. Holmes will convocate on Thursday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m.