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The next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Samuel Hutchinson who is at present the Church's General Secretary. He was nominated by 8 out of the 21 Presbyteries who met today throughout Ireland to vote for a new Moderator. Mr Hutchinson will take up office on the 2nd June in succession to Dr Harry Allen who continues as Moderator until that time.
Mr Hutchinson follows a tradition within the Presbyterian Church of appointing the General Secretary to the post of Moderator. Recent General Secretaries to hold the Moderatorship include Dr Jack Weir and Dr Tom Simpson.
Mr Hutchinson views the role of moderator as the first among equals given the task of publicly representing the views of the Presbyterian Church and encouraging ministers and members alike.
'All the Churches have and will continue to play a very positive role in our situation here in Ireland, both at community level and higher,' said Mr Hutchinson. 'It is vital that we keep explaining and putting into action the Christian attitude to the problems we face whether it be in relation to political matters, civil unrest, moral concerns or social issues. As Christians we have a great message to present but we must be aware of the challenges and clearly respond to the issues.'
Voting for each candidate was as follows:
- Rev Samuel Hutchinson (General Secretary) 8 VOTES
- Ards, East Belfast, South Belfast, Coleraine, Dromore, Iveagh, Monaghan, Route.
- Rev John Dixon (1st Antrim) 7 VOTES
- Armagh, Ballymena, North Belfast, Newry, Omagh, Templepatrick, Tyrone.
- Rev Maynard Cathcart (Waterside and Fahan) 2 VOTES
- Derry/Strabane, Donegal.
- Rev Douglas Armstrong (Greenisland) 1 VOTE
- Carrickfergus.
- Rev Robert Johnston (1st Saintfield) 1 VOTE
- Down.
- Rev Brian Moore (West Kirk) 1 VOTE
- Dublin.
The Foyle Presbytery made no nominaion.
Biography of Rev Samuel Hutchinson
- Born:
- 14th September 1937 in Belfast. Age 59. Brought up as a member of Berry Street Congregation. Now attends Railway Street, Lisburn.
- Education:
- Royal Belfast Academical Institution
- Queen's University, Belfast
- Presbyterian College, Belfast
- Degrees:
- BA in Classics - QUB
- BD - QUB
- MTh - QUB
- Career:
- Ordained as Assistant minister in Oldpark, Belfast 1963
- Installed as Minister of Gilford in 1966 with responsibility for Clare being added in 1967
- Appointed Deputy Clerk of Assembly in 1985
- Appointed Clerk of General Assembly in 1990
- Appointments:
- 1977-85 Clerk of Iveagh Presbytery
- 1983-85 Clerk of the Synod of Armagh and Down
- 1979-84 Convener of Church's Ministry among Jewish People.
- Family:
- Married to Margaret
As Clerk of the General Assembly Mr Hutchinson is the most senior full time official of the Presbyterian Church and has no direct congregational involvement. He carries responsibility for all administrative matters concerning the General Assembly and the running of its headquarters at Church House in Belfast. He is also joint secretary to the Four Church Leaders.
Mr Hutchinson has represented the Church at many official functions around the world and makes regular visits to meet officials of other Churches in this country and overseas and has taken a particular interest in matters concerning Church and Government.
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