bio.htm

 

Bio of Rev. Raymond Cross BTh, BA.
165 Springdale Cres., Oshawa, Ontario
ray@brideschoiceofficiant.com
905-404-9920

Ray Cross describes himself as an “improvementist” – “Good, better, best never let it rest, until your good is better and your better, best.” Ray always looks for ways of breathing new life and creativity into weddings.

Ray was born in Toronto, studied for ministry at Ontario Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology. While pastoring in Peterborough, from Trent University he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Ray pastored Baptist churches in Peterborough, Trenton, Port Hope, Oshawa and Scarborough for 32 years before retiring from pastoral service. Since retiring Ray has served as an Officiant, primarily for weddings. Ray is sensitive and responsive to the needs of those he serves and slides tasteful humour smoothly into ceremonies he leads. He shares that the incredible professional acting skills of his daughter, Andrea, inspire his quest for dynamic involvement with and presentation of ceremonies he officiates.

Ray has been happily married since 1971 to Diane, a nutrition expert and public school teacher (retired). They have two grown children and three grandchildren. If you see Ray and Diane about town you will find them walking hand in hand. They also ice skate several times a week. They love to travel and delight in white sand beaches. A natural extension of their love of travel is Ray’s periodic service as guest minister on cruises ships.