The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Dr Harry Uprichard (63), minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Ahoghill. It's the first time that a minister has been elected to the office while serving in one of the three churches in the Co Antrim town.
Dr Uprichard was nominated by 12 out of the 21 Presbyteries who met today throughout Ireland to vote for a new Moderator and will take up office on the 6th June in succession to Dr Ken Newell who continues as Moderator until that time.
Rev David Clarke, minister of Terrace Row, Coleraine received 3 nominations, Dr Joe Fell of Ebrington, Londonderry and Rev Alistair Kennedy from Trinity, Bangor two nominations each and Rev Wilfred Orr, Newtownbreda and Rev Jack Richardson, Hillhall, 1 vote each.
Commenting on his election Dr Uprichard, originally from Lurgan said, "I'm humbled so much that the Church has resided its trust in me, honoured to be called to so important an office and apprehensive at the duties that lie ahead."
He describes his ministry as one of "teaching the scriptures in order to bring people to faith and to develop their witness," and is noted for his expository preaching and his evangelistic zeal.
A keen academic, Dr Uprichard is the author of several books on New Testament theology including 'A Study Commentary in Ephesians', published last summer.
Born in Lurgan on new year's day 1942, Dr Uprichard was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1967 and for three years was assistant minister in the Ballymacarrett congregation in Belfast. In 1970 he was called to Trinity, Ahoghill where he has continued his parish ministry until today.
Outside of theology he has a love of choral music and until recently was conductor of the Ballymena Presbytery Male Voice Choir. He also describes himself as an armchair sports enthusiast with a particular interest in football and rugby.
Dr Uprichard is married to Maisie and has no children
Voting for each candidate was as follows:
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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