ADC advancement Strengthening Churches by Strengthening Clergy Wellness

REV. WILLIAM (BILL) AND VIRGINIA LEACH pioneers and advocates for clergy wellness in Canada, led a life dedicated to the lives of others. As a theological student, Virginia met Bill in Toronto after he arrived from Dublin, Ireland to study for his ordination in the Anglican Church. They were married in 1955 and their union led to an amazing partnership dedicated to the practice and promotion of spiritual care throughout North America, and beyond.

William Leach served as Director of Chaplaincy Services in Boston and Toronto, and was a wise and caring pastor and teacher, dynamic preacher, and sportsman. Virginia was a respected theological librarian. From churches to hospitals, the two worked tirelessly to advocate for clergy wellness in Canada. With their shared love of Christ and the church, they extended their vision for pastoral education by establishing The Beatty Ryckman Trust. The Trust focused on helping Christian ministers know themselves better as a key component for health and vitality in ministry.

“We are pleased to honour the wish of Bill and Virginia to establish a permanent chair in pastoral psychology at Acadia Divinity College … It was their prayer that this Chair will strengthen clergy wellness and in so doing, strengthen the church.”

In 2010 the Trust began a partnership with ADC, providing support for education in self-knowledge and pastoral care. Ensuring Bill and Virginia’s work continued following their deaths, the trustees bequeathed the remaining resources to Acadia Divinity College in 2022 to establish a new academic chair: The William and Virginia Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology. This Chair will promote the vision of Rev. William and Virginia Leach by supporting and expanding ministerial education in pastoral psychology, clergy wellness, and mental health.

A further donation established The Beatty Ryckman Operating Endowment to support the work of The William and Virginia Leach Professor of Pastoral Psychology.

“We are pleased to honour the wish of Bill and Virginia to establish a permanent chair in pastoral psychology at Acadia Divinity College,” stated Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes and Ms. Marie Soderlund, advisors of The Beatty Ryckman Trust. “It was their prayer that this Chair will strengthen clergy wellness and in so doing, strengthen the church.”

Bill and Virginia’s dedication to the formation and care for their fellow clergy is inspiring. Acadia Divinity College is deeply grateful for their lives and legacy and is honoured to be entrusted with the continuation of their ministry.

To learn more of the story visit ACADIADIV.CA/LEACH-CHAIR