The Rev. James Galasinski began his ministry with us in 2016. He studied theology and philosophy while pursuing his undergraduate degree in jazz studies. Later, when he was working in the financial industry, he found a spiritual home at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, where his call to ministry was reawakened and nourished. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard, a Unitarian Universalist theological school in Chicago, after which he served the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque as Ministerial Resident. In addition to leading Sunday worship, James teaches classes touching on many aspects of religion and spirituality and hosts Chalice Circles and other small-group opportunities for community and fellowship. Learn more about James' ministry here.
Carol has been Director of Religious Education since August 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies from SUNY Cortland. Carol brings a passion for living and working in community. Her background in adventure-based education and employee well-being gives her a unique perspective in providing programming. Carol believes our vibrant religious education program not only provides learning and exploration for our children and youth but also spiritual growth for our adult volunteers.
Dan joined our community as a member in 2024 and became our Congregational Administrator in 2025, drawn by a deep appreciation for the North Country and a commitment to serving others. He brings a rich background in social work, business operations, and customer experience to his role, helping to guide both the organizational health of the church and the way we serve the individual needs of our members and friends. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Wilmington University. He is dedicated to fostering strong personal relationships and promoting continuous improvement within our congregation.
In her role as Music Coordinator for the UU Church of Canton, Betsy Kepes finds a diverse array of musicians to play for Sunday services. She plays the hymns most Sundays and when she is the musician-of-the-day she likes to find piano music that matches the theme of the service.
Betsy began taking piano lessons in first grade and has been a piano student or a piano teacher ever since. When she is not playing music, Betsy can be heard on NCPR doing "book chats" with radio host (and UU) Todd Moe or she can be found writing articles for local magazines and working on a Young Adult children's book that will someday be published.
Betsy and her husband, Tom Van de Water, built their own off-grid solar house in the foothills of the Adirondacks when they were young. It's where they raised their two sons and they live there still.
The Revs. Anne Marsh and Wade Wheelock served as our church's co-ministers for 16 years, from 1993 until they retired in 2009. Upon their retirement, the congregation honored their ministry by naming them our Ministers Emeriti. Anne and Wade now live in northern New Mexico, where they are active in the Los Alamos UU congregation, enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains and canyons, and love spending time with their granddaughter. They appreciate their occasional visits to the North Country and treasure the wonderful people of the UU Church of Canton.