stjohnslunenburg@bellaliant.com | 902 634 4994
64 Townsend Street, Lunenburg, NS
Dr. Donald Russell is organist and Music Director at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and began his tenure June 29, 2025.
Donald was recently awarded an Associate Diploma from the Royal College of Organists in the UK. In addition he has a Diploma in Sacred Music Studies from the Royal School of Church Music, along with a Choir Master Diploma and an Associate Diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. He has also studied voice for many years.
Donald began organ studies in Halifax under David MacDonald. Most recently, he has been working and studying with Wesley Warren, FRCO, at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Ottawa where he played the organ and conducted the choir on a regular basis. Prior to that, he served in a similar role for Mervyn Games, FRCO at Knox Presbyterian Church, also in Ottawa. Donald began composing at the age of eight and has a number of published compositions.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Donald is happy to be back in the Maritimes after spending many years in Ottawa where he was an engineering Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Dean at Carleton University. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his research has focused on the biomechanics of musical performance.
He is happily married to Dr. Theresa White, a highly regarded biochemist, and they have two wonderful adult children, Emily and Aiden.
Donald enjoys engaging with the rich and wonderful music programs at St. John’s and the surrounding community.
Barbara Butler is our Organist Emerita, a music educator well-known for championing the arts in Nova Scotia. With extensive degrees and awards, she has founded and directed numerous musical organizations, many of which have graced St. John’s. Barbara’s love of God is clearly articulated through her music, her gracious presence and wonderful desire to celebrate the spirituality of music.