A MINISTER from the north coast has been selected to be the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Limavady-born Rev John Kirkpatrick of Portrush Presbyterian Church was named as the next moderator following a meeting last night by ministers and elders from across the church's 19 regional Irish presbyteries.
Rev Kirkpatrick will formally succeed the current moderator, the Right Reverend Dr David Bruce, in June.
The new 'Moderator-Designate', who was ordained as an assistant minister in 1985, has been minister of Portrush Presbyterian for almost 30 years.
His father was minister of Balteagh Presbyterian Church, near Limavady, while his grandfather had also served in congregations in Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim.
Speaking about his election to the post, the 65-year-old cleric said: "I am genuinely surprised by what has happened, but very excited at the prospect of the story God is going to write from June and the months that follow.
"As I continue to serve the Lord Jesus in this new role, I am looking forward to coming alongside our churches at this critical time, encouraging them as we move forward from Covid. I also look forward to building good relationships wherever possible, honouring Jesus and representing our Church across the island and further afield."
=
