The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected Rev John Kirkpatrick of Portrush Presbyterian Church in Co Antrim to be its next Moderator.
The 65-year-old minister was nominated by ten of the Church¹s 19 presbyteries this evening when they met to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce.
Having received the most votes, Mr Kirkpatrick will be the denomination's 177th Moderator since 1840 and its first from Portrush Presbyterian Church.
Known as the Moderator-Designate, Mr Kirkpatrick will officially be elected and installed as Moderator at the start of PCI’s General Assembly in June.
Born in Limavady in Co Derry, Mr Kirkpatrick was brought up from the age of three in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
#pcinews Rev John Kirkpatrick, minister of #Portrush Presbyterian Church, will be the next @pcimoderator having received the most votes from PCI's 19 presbyteries when they met across #Ireland this evening. Full story: https://t.co/JdpOxv2hFn pic.twitter.com/wFhFwz8Ave
— Presbyterian Church (@pciassembly) February 1, 2022
A third generation Presbyterian minister – his father had been minister of Balteagh Presbyterian, near Limavady, while his grandfather had also served in congregations in counties Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim.
Mr Kirkpatrick has been minister of Portrush Presbyterian for nearly 30 years, having served in the holiday town since 1993.
He ministers to a congregation of around 220 families in and around the seaside town.
Reacting to his election said he was "very excited" about the role.
He said: "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."
