Staff Team
John Stimson (Rector)
John was born and raised in Johannesburg, and began his studies at Bible Institute, Kalk Bay (pre GWC), after completing his national service. After graduating from BI, he took on the youth work at Christ Church Blairgowrie, his spiritual home, under Rev Dr Jack Allen, and completed his curacy at Trinity Church, Weltevreden Park.
During this time he married Frances, a high school teacher whom he met at church, and they embarked on the joy of parenthood with the birth of Kate. Moving to take up his post at CCH (then Trinity Chapel), they both settled quickly and have been serving the same church since 1991. In 1992, they were delighted in the birth of a second daughter, Amy.
John serves on the boards of Grace College and Union Bible Institute, and also assists with regional work in REACH-SA. Francie is one of the founders of Grace College, a local high school which has been running since 1999. She is an accomplished educator, Bible Study leader, singer, wife and mother.
Kurt Mardon (Assistant Minister)
Kurt was born and raised on the KZN South Coast – and had the privilege (and enjoyment) of living on the beautiful shorelines of Port Shepstone and then Uvongo. While growing up, he attended the Margate Baptist Church – and as a young adult got involved with Teen Ministry and Mission Outreach.
After a few years of working in the accounting and auditing profession, he responded to the Lord’s call into full time paid ministry. When finishing his studies at the Bible Institute in Kalk Bay, Kurt and his wife Kath had the intention of doing mission work in the United Arab Emirates; however, the Lord closed those doors and the opportunity for ministry arose at Howick Baptist Church. After 5 years, the Lord then called them to Christ Church in Howick and Kurt enjoyed 8 yrs of ministry with Rev Richard Sturdee. As part of his ordination process, it was recommended that he be involved with ministry at another REACH.SA church. It was at this time that Rev John Stimson and the council at Christ Church Hilton expressed willingness to have Kurt come and join the staff. “It has been a blessing to serve Christ and the church family at CCHilton,’ says Kurt.
The Lord has blessed Kurt and Kath with 3 beautiful daughters – Grace, Isabella and Sophia. Kath is a Clinical Facilitator in the ICU and EC at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg and the Lord has blessed her with a true passion for her calling.
Bronwyn Findlay (Admin)
Bronwyn was born in Durban but moved to Hilton with her family in her childhood. She studied a year of Fine Arts at Technikon in Durban before starting work doing admin & bookkeeping.
She has been part of the church office since 2010. In her very diverse role, Bron endeavours to keep the church records up to date and administration running smoothly, as well as being friend, counsellor and encourager to everyone who pops into the church office.