An Interview with Reverend Dr. Ed Hird

by Gordon Nary

Gordon: Where were you born? Tell us something about your family,

Reverend Ed:  I was born at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver BC Canada.

Gordon: When did you attend The University of British Columbia, what degree did you earn, and what is one of your favorite memories when you were                       there?

Reverend Ed : I am one of three siblings, the only son, born to my parents Ted and Lorna Hird. My dad was an electrical engineer and President of Lenkurt Electric Canada.

Gordon: When did you attend Vancouver School of Theology, what degree did you earn, who as your favorite teacher, and why was that teacher your                       favorite?

Reverend Ed: I received a Bachelor of Social Work while attending UBC from 1972 to 1976. I was very involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship on Campus

Gordon: When did you attend Carey Theological College, what degree did you earn, what was your favorite course, and why was  it your favorite?        

Reverend Ed: From 1976 to 1980, I attended VST, receiving a Masters of Divinity. Fr Albert Sigmund was a favorite teacher of the Bible.

Gordon: When did you serve as Assistant Priest at St. Philip's Dunbar and what is one of your most memorable moments when you were there?

Reverend Ed: From 1980 to 1981, I served as the assistant deacon and then priest at St. Phillips. The young people were very hungry for God’s Word.

Gordon: When did you serve as Assistant Priest at Saint Matthew's Abbotsford?. What did you enjoy most about your service  there?

Reverend Ed: From 1982 to 1987, I served as the assistant priest at St. Matthew’s Abbotsford, a tremendous time of spiritual renewal and healing.

Gordon: When did you serve as Rector St. Simon's Church North Vancouver? What are some aspects of your service did you find most rewarding?

Reverend Ed:   From 1987 to 2018, I served 31 years as rector of St. Simon’s North Vancouver, a remarkable time of seeing many lives transformed with twenty five  renewal missions.

Gordon: Tell us about you  currant service.

Reverend  Ed:  From 2018, I have served at All Saints Community Church as part of the leadership team. The Anglican Mission in Canada is licensed from the Anglican province of the Congo.  Our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ, particularly in Canada.  All Saints, led by Bishop Peter Klenner, is a healthy safe  congregation which much life is found.

Gordon: Tell us something about your wife Janice

Reverend Ed:  My wife Janice and I have been married for 48 years so far. She is a professional musician. We have three adult children and four grandchildren all involved in church and the life of faith.

Gordon: What are challenges that affect the indigenous people in Canada and what should be done to address these challenges?

Reverend Ed: Three of my four grandchildren have indigenous roots.  The residential schools greatly traumatized the indigenous people, separating them from their families. Family healing and reconciliation is key.

Gordon: You are also a prominent author. Please list the books that you have written and an overview of each book.

Reverend Ed: I have written seven books: my books can be found on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com  I am the author of Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit and Battle For the Soul of Canada, as well as co-author with Janice Hird of our novel Blue Sky, For Better, For Worse, God’s Firestarters and Second Cup of Cider. My latest award-winning book cowritten with David Kitz is ‘The Elisha Code’.

Gordon: Thank you for your great work an a great interview.