The Sinbuster of Smoky Burn: The Memoirs of a Student Minister on the Prairies

David M. Kelly teaches religious studies at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

In his memoirs, former United Church minister Hugh McKervill recounts
his experiences as a young student minister working in the Prairies. The
Sinbuster is both informative and entertaining. Permeating the
author’s recollections of hardships of life in rural western Canada is
his delightful and down-to-earth sense of humor. His book is an
excellent introduction to rural western Canada in the 1950s.

Though by his own admission, McKervill has “dressed up” certain
events to make them more interesting, the book’s positive qualities
more than make up for any minor historical inaccuracies. Best of all is
the complete absence of false piety or nostalgic whining.

The Sinbuster will make an ideal gift for young seminarians, especially
those planning to serve in Canada’s western provinces. It should teach
them not to take life too seriously, and to take the time to smell what
few roses are available.