Presbyterian Church elects new moderator

The son of a butcher and brother of a professional footballer was tonight elected as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The Reverend David Clarke, 59, minister of the Terrace Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine, Co Derry was the clear winner when church representatives from all over Ireland met in Belfast.

He was backed by 14 of the 21 Irish Presbyteries to take over as Moderator from Dr Harry Uprichard at the Presbyterian General Assembly in June.

His nearest challenger, Larne minister the Reverend Jimmy Johnstone, 60, got six votes.

Speaking after his victory the Rev Clarke, a father of two, said: “While I am surprised, I consider this an immense honour for myself, my family and my congregation.

“Though unworthy I will seek to serve myself and my church to the utmost of my ability.”

Dr Clarke has been minister of Terrace Row for the past 26 years, having previously served in Belfast and Templepatrick, Co Antrim.

The son of a Ballymena butcher, Mr Clarke is one of eight children and among his brothers are two Presbyterian ministers and a former professional footballer with Sunderland.

He is the governor of a number of schools in Coleraine, and for more than 20 years has written a weekly column in The Coleraine Times.