New pastor for Fisherville

Pastors participating in the installation remove their masks briefly for a group photo. Back (l-r): Rev. Mark Koehler (Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton & Vacancy Pastor for Trinity Lutheran, Fisherville), Rev. David Zakel (Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burlington), Rev. Kurt Lantz (Niagara Circuit Counsellor), Rev. Peter Gatluak (Pilgrim Lutheran Church Sudanese Ministry, Hamilton), Rev. Robert Morley (Kitchener & Rotational Pastor at Trinity Lutheran, Fisherville). Front (l-r): Rev. Aaron Astley (Redeemer, Hamilton & Christ Our Saviour, Grimsby); Rev. Joe Das (Kitchener & Rotational Pastor at Trinity Lutheran, Fisherville), Rev. Kevin Walrath (Hamilton Circuit Counsellor), Rev. Andrew Cottrill (Trinity Lutheran, Fisherville); Rev. John Makey (Vacany Assistant Pastor), Rev. Michael Meleg (Faith Lutheran, Dunnville & St. Peter’s Lutheran, Port Colborne).

FISHERVILLE, Ont. - The members of Trinity Lutheran in Fisherville praise God for bringing a pastor to serve them after nearly three years. Rev. Andrew Cottrill was installed as Pastor at Trinity on September 12, and his first worship service was on September 19.

Rev. Cottrill was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. In 2004, he professed the Christian faith and was baptized at Harbour Fellowship Baptist Church in St. Catharines. After high school, he studied at Capernwray Hall Bible College in England where he worked in youth outreach with the Church of England and the Methodists.

He went on to study at Brock University, where he received a B.A. in History. During his studies he was confirmed into the Roman Catholic Church (2009), and volunteered with student ministries (Newman Club). For graduate studies he went on to McMaster University, receiving a M.A. in History, and then to Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary where he earned his M. Div. He was received into Lutheran Church–Canada in 2011 by Rev. Kurt Lantz.

He married Sarah Plunkett in 2013, and together they have two children, Audrey and Bruce. Their family also includes a dog and house cat.

He received a first call to Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where he served as pastor for four years before accepting the call to Trinity, Fisherville.