In its 50+ year history, our Nanaimo Unitarian Fellowship has been both lay led and minister led.  In recent years we have had increasingly enjoyed a minister-led Fellowship.  Since  the retirement of Rev Debra Thorne in early 2023, we have been searching for a minister who will be the right fit for our Fellowship. That process with take time and careful consideration. For 2023/24 you can expect most services and  programs led by qualified Unitarian ministers –  typically three Sundays per month.  The remaining services will be lay led with qualified speakers on a range of topics related to Unitarian interests and values.           


Retired minister Rev. Debra Faulk has been contracted on a quarter time basis for the 23/24 Fellowship year to provide stability and routine during this period of search for a settled minister. Rev. Debra is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who retired in 2021 as Minister Emerita after 11 years with Calgary Unitarians. Debra lives in Victoria close to her beloved children and grandchildren.

Rev. Debra delivers one service per month and provides valuable advice and assistance to Sunday Services and other committees.

Rev. Debra can be contacted at minister@ufon.ca

Please note that the pastoral care of members is not included within the scope to Debra’s contract. The Sunday Welcome Table has a short list of community resources available to those requiring those services.


After a two year hiatus, Leah Hokanson has re-joined our staff as Music Director starting September, 2023. Leah  is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, conductor and vocal sounding explorer based on Gabriola Island. Leah provides music for most Sunday services and directs our Unitarian choir – The Fabulous Fufonics, which is open to all members and friends.


Brenda Pilon is our Office Administrator. She is the heart of the fellowship and is responsible for such things as maintaining the fellowship files, interacting with the public, and coordinating hall and room rentals.