New editor named to United Church Observer

Associate editor David Wilson has been appointed editor and publisher of The United Church Observer, one of the oldest church publications -- and perhaps its most lively and professional religion magazine-- in Canada. The editorship is an important position, and one the church doesn't change willy-nilly. Wilson becomes only the seventh editor since the United Church was founded in 1925.

Muriel Duncan (left), who is retiring after 32 years with the magazine, has carefully nurtured the magazine's longstanding reputation for excellence, re-affirmed by winning 29 awards in the 2005 annual church press awards competition.

Wilson's appointment takes effect Sept. 1.

[UPDATE] David Wilson has another claim to fame: he plays keyboard and vocals in the band 3 Chord Johnny, which provides a change of pace for its members: John Macfarlane, editor of Toronto Life (guitar, vocals); journalist, author and playwright David Macfarlane (guitar, vocals); journalist and author David Hayes (bass, vocals); film/TV composer & documentarian Douglas John Cameron (drums, vocals) & advertising copywriter David Wallen (blues harmonica). Their occasional gigs, usually played in support of charity, includes the blues, R&B and soul characteristic of The Rolling Stones, circa 1963-64. (Thanks to David Hayes for reminding me of Wilson's involvement.)