The Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes

Denomination: Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ)
Organization: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto, ON

The Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes has been a dedicated leader at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto since 1995, where he serves as the Minister of the Congregation. His commitment to faith, pastoral care, and ecumenical outreach has left a profound impact on both the church and the broader community. Raised in a family deeply rooted in Ontario, Peter spent much of his early life in Victoria, British Columbia, where he met his wife, Janet, and earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria.

Peter’s path to ministry began after working as a carpenter’s assistant and Ombudsman at the University of Victoria. He completed his Master of Divinity at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, in 1986 and was ordained in 1987. Before joining Yorkminster Park, he served in Toronto and Montreal. Peter later earned his Doctor of Ministry from Acadia Divinity College in Nova Scotia, with a focus on preaching at funerals.

Mentored by renowned preachers A. Leonard Griffith and John N. Gladstone, and later coached by Paul Scott Wilson, Peter’s preaching is known for its depth and relevance. He regularly co-hosts tours of sacred spaces and organizes the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship, which draws clergy from across North America.

Peter’s leadership extends beyond the pulpit, particularly in ecumenical and interfaith initiatives. He has served as a guest preacher in major churches worldwide, including St. John the Divine in New York and Canonmills Church in Scotland. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and an Honorary Lifetime Fellowship from Acadia Divinity College.

Peter enjoys gardening, walking, cycling, and playing croquet. He and Janet live in Toronto, where they have raised three adult children and now enjoy time with their grandchild.