Acadia Divinity College presented the 2017 Alumni Distinguished Service Award to Rev. Wayne Murphy during the annual ADC Friends and Alumni Lunch in Moncton on August 25, 2017. The ADC Alumni Distinguished Service Award, inaugurated in 1995, honours members of the Alumni of the Acadia University School of Theology and/or Acadia Divinity College who have contributed significantly to the Christian Church in Canada or throughout the world. Rev. Murphy was recognized for the outstanding work that he, his church, and his community have done in welcoming new Canadians.

Rev. Murphy, a Class of 1999 graduate of the Acadia Divinity College Master of Divinity program, was ordained in 2000. Following service at Port Mouton Baptist Church and Norton Baptist Church, Rev. Murphy became the Senior Pastor at his home church of Lancaster Baptist Church, where he was baptised more than 30 years ago.

Under Rev. Murphy’s leadership and in partnership with the Saint John YMCA Newcomer Connections, Lancaster Baptist Church plays a key role in supporting refugees and sponsoring Syrian families. In December 2015, the church’s Christian Education Centre became the depot for gently used furniture and household goods donated by community members. Well over 130 families, including Syrian refugees and other newcomers, have been welcomed by parishioners and supported by the “furniture depot” as they settled into their new lives in Saint John.

Rev. Murphy reflects, “This has done more than just fill practical needs. It has fostered community within our church and engaged committed volunteers. We’ve also had the privilege of connecting with many generous people from our region and welcomed practically every Syrian family that has come to Saint John.”

Rev. Murphy’s Christian leadership is also evident through his roles as Chair of the Camp Tulakadik Commission, Chair of the Long Lake Camp’s Society Board of Directors of the Lunenburg-Queens United Baptist Association, and as Moderator of the Saint John-Kings Association of Baptist Churches. Rev. Murphy has also served the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) as Chair of the Training Commission of the Lunenburg-Queens Association, as Chair of the CBAC Board of Ministerial Standards and Education, and as a member of the CBAC Nominating Committee.

With great pleasure, the Acadia Divinity College recognizes and honours Rev. Murphy’s leadership in welcoming new Canadians by presenting him with the 2017 ADC Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Hear Rev. Murphy’s Story