Archief F3562 - Anne M. Squire fonds

Dr. Anne Squire (nee Park) (1921-2017) was Moderator of the United Church of Canada from 1986 to 1988. Squire was born in Amherstburg, Ontario to Methodist mother and Anglican father. She taught public school (1939-1945), church school (1945-1980) and served as a director at Camp Bitobi for twelve years. She received her B.A. (hons) (1974), and M.A. in Religion (1975) from Carleton University. She went on to teach Religious Studies and Women’s Studies at the University of Carleton with the Lay School of Theology from 1975-1982. Aside from working in education, she held many different positions throughout her career. She was a curriculum writer for the United Church from 1962-1975 and was the was chair of Project : Ministry (Division of Mission in Canada) from 1977-1980. She provided leadership at Queen’s Theological College on the Board of Managers from 1980-1985, was Chairperson of the Ontario Conference for Women (1979-1980), Secretary of the United Church Division of Ministry Personnel and Education (1982-1985), Chair of the Interchurch/Interfaith Committee (1988-1992), and chairperson at Emmanuel United Church in 1982. She was Moderator of The United Church from 1986-1988, the first lay woman leader to hold the position. She received many honourary degrees and accolades for her work: Doctor of Divinity degrees from McGill University (1980), Queen’s University (1985), an Honourary Legum Doctorate from Carleton University (1988) for her work in University and Educational Services. She was also recipient of the Senate Medal from Carleton in 1972. A staunch feminist, Squire was known for her women’s rights activism and teaching feminist theology. She was also known for her study and report on the Sexuality of Ordination Debate which drove the vote for inclusivity. Squire married William in 1943 and had three children: Frances, Laura and Margaret. She died in 2017.