The next moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be the Rev David Clarke (59), minister of Terrace Row Church, Coleraine, Co Derry.
Mr Clarke was nominated by 14 out of the 21 presbyteries which met yesterday throughout Ireland to vote. He will take up office on June 5th, succeeding Dr Harry Uprichard.
The Rev Jimmy Johnstone, minister of Craigy Hill, Larne, received six nominations and the Rev Wilfred Orr, St John's, the remaining one.
Mr Clarke said: "While I'm surprised, I consider this an immense honour for myself, my family and my congregation and, though unworthy, I will seek to serve my Master and my church to the utmost of my ability."
The son of a Ballymena butcher, Mr Clarke was born in 1946. He is one of eight children and holds a law degree from Queen's University. He also studied theology.
For more than 20 years Mr Clarke has written a weekly Thought for the Week column in the Coleraine Times, and has also written a history of the Terrace Row Congregation. He is married with two daughters.