Portrush Minister to be next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

By Q Radio News

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected the Rev John Kirkpatrick as its next Moderator. 

The 65-year-old has been the minister at Portrush Presbyterian Church for almost 30 years.

Mr Kirkpatrick was nominated by 10 of the Church¹s 19 presbyteries yesterday evening when they met across Ireland to elect a successor to the current Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce. 

Having received the most votes from the Church’s 19 presbyteries, Mr Kirkpatrick will be the denomination’s 177th Moderator since 1840 and its first from Portrush Presbyterian Church.

He will be officially installed to succeed the Rev Dr David Bruce at the church's general assembly in June.

Speaking about his election, the North Coast minister 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.”

Born in in Limavady, Mr Kirkpatrick was brought up from the age of three in Ballymena.

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.

Rev John Kirkpatrick has been married to his wife Joan for 40 years this summer, a palliative care nurse and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Rev John Kirkpatrick