And a time to say good-bye: Rev. Dr. Harald Schoubye retires

WINNIPEG, Man. – After more than 44 years in the ministry, Rev. Dr. Harald Schoubye, with his wife, Cynthia, retired from service as pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church on October 31, 2024.  

Dr. Schoubye was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1955; moved to Canada in 1961; and grew up and attended school in the North end of Winnipeg. He received his baccalaureate from the University of Manitoba. After receiving his M.Div., he was ordained in September of 1980. He received a Master of Theology in Historical Theology in 1991 and a Doctor of Theology degree in Exegetical Theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1996.  

Dr. Schoubye has served his Lord at congregations, colleges, and seminaries in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and British Columbia. In addition, he has ministered in many nations, which would give the congregation opportunity for direct involvement in world missions.  

Due to his wife’s illness, they moved back to Winnipeg from Vernon, B.C., where he had been pastor of Living Word Lutheran Church, and because of the retirement of Rev. Richard Kruesel at that time, Dr. Schoubye became the vacancy pastor of Holy Cross. The congregation became so used to Dr. Schoubye’s sermons and dedication that they hoped he would accept the call to become their permanent pastor. On November 29, 2015, he was installed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and served the congregation faithfully up to the day of his retirement.  

On October 27, 2024, Rev. Schoubye gave his last Sunday sermon, which was followed by a special luncheon lovingly prepared by the members of the church. In appreciation for the service that both Dr. Schoubye and his beloved wife Cynthia gave to Holy Cross, a special blessing was spoken and tokens of appreciation (an engraved watch and a diamond necklace) were presented. The celebration ended with a much-deserved standing ovation to a well-loved pastor, Rev. Dr. Harald Schoubye.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church is grateful to God and his servant Rev. Schoubye for his pastoral ministry during the past nine years. The congregation prays for God’s blessing as Rev. Schoubye begins his well-deserved retirement.

Larry Krause 

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