The sympathy of the Trinity congregation goes out to all those friends and family of our beloved Minister Emeritus, Reverend Doctor Murray Arnill, whose funeral is taking place Saturday April 26th at Trinity United Church in Uxbridge. On the same day, Murray will also be remembered in worship at presbytery gatherings in North Bay and Spirit Dancing Presbyteries. A special service for Murray dedicating a permanent memorial was held at Huntington University on Thursday, May 15th. Some pictures from the dedication are included below.
Murray Arnill was born and raised in Sudbury, and was amongst the first graduates of Huntington University, where he was awarded the “Huntington Paddle” for his contributions to the life of the university. Since that time, Murray became a member of Huntington’s Board of Regents (1980), was awarded their Honourary Doctor of Divinity degree (1991), as well as being Chancellor (2005-2007) and University Chaplain (2007-2014).
In his ministry, Murray served at Onandoga, Manitowaning and Silverwater (on Manitoulin Island, while earning his M.Div from Emmanuel College, Toronto!). He then served Chapleau, Kapuskasing, and Trinity in North Bay. He was President of Manitou Conference in 1979-1980. Throughout his service to the church, Murray is perhaps best remembered for his caring ministry to the youth of his churches. He retired in 1996 after more than 30 years of service to the United Church–to enjoy travel, his wilderness camp, and his 10 grandchildren.