Leaders of the Ethical Society of St. Louis
Walter Sheldon, 1886-1907 A seminal thinker in the development of Ethical Culture, Sheldon shared with the congregation his devotion to free-thought, his desire to edify working-class citizens, and his pioneering work in the education of children in the importance of living ethically.
Percival Chubb 1912-1933 Chubb believed that the primary service of religion is to bring people together, and in this spirit he introduced a cycle of festivals to celebrate the rites and seasons common to all cultures.
J. Hutton Hynd 1933-1950 Hynd's ability to synthesize the arts and the sciences inspired members of the St. Louis Society. His platforms, which were deeply influenced by Coit's reverential style and creative use of ceremony, offered ongoing education in history, literature, philosophy, and comparative religion.
J.F. Hornback 1951-1980 Under Hornback's leadership, the Society built and moved to its current building on Clayton Road in 1964. The Society continued to use the Sheldon Memorial building for social outreach programs and chamber music concerts for the next 10 years.
John Hoad 1980-1994 Hoad brought exceptional leadership skills to his service of the Ethical Culture movement. Through — and beyond — his addresses and writing, he sought to bolster the Society's organizational strength.
Judy Toth 1995-2002 Judy Toth was instrumental in a capital campaign was conducted to build an addition onto the west wing of the Society building. In her role as head of staff, she was able to increase services with addition of part-time staff without greatly increasing expenditures.
Don Johnson 2002-2005 Johnson is the only Leader in Ethical Culture history to serve both the New York and the St. Louis Society. Under his leadership the St. Louis Society initiated Great Book discussions.
Kate Lovelady 2005-present Kate Lovelady is our current leader.