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Vital Justin Grandin was born at St. Pierre de la Coure, on February 8, 1829. He was ordained priest of the Order of Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate on April 23, 1854. Following his ordination, he was sent to the Metis settlement at St. Boniface, Manitoba. On December 11, 1857, he was appointed coadjutor Bishop to His Grace Alexandre Tache, however his formal consecration took place nearly two years after, on November 30, 1859, by the founder of the oblates, now known as St. Eugene de Mazenod. On September 1871 he was appointed the first Bishop of the newly erected diocese of St. Albert, by letter of Pope Pius IX. Through his dauntless spirit and self-sacrifice he was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic Church in Western Canada. He died as Bishop of Saint Albert, on June 03, 1902, and will be remembered as the Missionary Bishop. In 1966, his humble and saintly virtues were acknowledged when he was declared Venerable.

The Toastmasters Program originated in California in 1924 when Dr. Ralph Semedly approached a small group of business men to relate his desire to improve their communication and leadership skills. Although Dr. Semedly’s goal originally was to assist his partners in their business, he soon realized the potential to improve the lives of people in all segments of society. His concept grew from the original meeting, spread through California, then United states and around the world.

At the time of its development in 2002 Gospel Lights Toastmasters Club was one of 75 clubs in the greater Edmonton area. Although there were 250 toastmasters clubs in District 42 [Alberta and Saskatchewan] Gospel Light was the only distinct Catholic group.

As a division of Toastmasters International, the Gospel Light Toastmasters Club meet twice a month at the Pastoral Centre. A small executive organized meetings and events where members meet to practice their public speaking skills. The goals of the club were to enhance interpersonal skills; learn and practice communication and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment; develop problem solving and listening skills; and provide an opportunity for experience members to support and mentor new members.

After seven years of operation the club ended in 2008.