Church choir will continue, priest says

Conductor Noel Edison departs after sexual misconduct allegations

ELORA — One of the few professional church choirs in the country is facing a pressing question — what happens now that their star conductor is gone?

That’s the dilemma facing the parish choir at St. John the Evangelist Church in Elora, after the departure of longtime music director Noel Edison amid sexual misconduct allegations.

With a budget of around $100,000, the choir requires constant fundraising to pay its members and support its work. Edison, the Grammy-nominated music director of the Elora Singers, brought the Anglican Church plenty of prestige, and donors’ money, with him.

But as the choir scrambles to figure out how to carry on without the man whose vision has guided the group for decades, the church’s new priest vows the music St. John’s is known for will continue.

“We are deeply committed to continue the wonderful and inspiring music tradition that St John’s is known for. Music is an inspiring and transforming part of our worship that enriches our community,” Rev. Paul Walker said.

Edison, who was put on leave by the Elora Singers and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir after the allegations came to light last week, has not been charged with anything, according to the OPP’s Wellington County detachment. Both groups say they’ve hired an independent investor to probe the allegations, which came in form of letters sent from third parties.

Edison has also voluntarily stepped down from his role as the music director at St. John’s, a role he’s had since the 1980s.

Walker, who was inducted Sunday at the church and celebrated at a reception afterward, acknowledged donors played a key role in financially supporting the music tradition at St. John’s.

“We are grateful for the participation of so many gifted and generous people who ensure that all aspects of St. John’s ministry continues to be offered at the highest standards,” he said.

Edison worked closely with Rev. Robert Hulse, the Rector Emeritus of St. John’s and Order of Canada minister who established St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, to keep the professional choir well-funded.

Parishioners said they expected Hulse, who’s spent more than 40 years building St. John’s choir into one of Canada’s preeminent choral choirs, will continue to carry on his fundraising efforts.

Last week, Walker said the church was “deeply troubled” by the allegations, made by multiple accusers, against Edison.

Edison’s job as the church’s music director reportedly paid him around $40,000 a year, according to parishioners. Many of the choirists are also members of the Elora Singers, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

But the church — which the priest said was “committed to being a safe and holy place for all people and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct”— insists it’s larger than one person.

“The mission and ministry that St John’s is known for continues, by the grace of God and the good work and commitment of huge number of very gifted and generous people,” Walker said. “We will continue our work of upholding and caring for all, working together toward accountability, and offering the gift of healing, hope and reconciliation for everyone’s sake through our worship, outreach, fellowship and education.”