New Moderator has Helensburgh connections

Fiona Howard • Published 29 Oct 2009 13:23

A FORMER Helensburgh man is to become the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

The Rev John Cairns Christie, who was educated at Hermitage Academy and attended St Columba Church in Helensburgh, will take over the top church post from the Rev Bill Hewitt, Minister of Westburn Church in Greenock.

Mr Christie, 62, who is serving as the interim minister of St Andrew's Church, West Kilbride, and the Scots Kirk in Lausanne, will take over his new job in May and will serve for one year. The General Assembly of the Kirk is yet to approve the appointment.

Mr Christie was born in Glasgow and educated at Hermitage Academy, University of Strathclyde, Paisley College and University of Glasgow.

From 1966 to 1968, he was employed as a scientific assistant in the Royal Ordnance Factory, Bishopton. A chartered biologist, he taught biology and chemistry at Albert Secondary School, Springburn, Glasgow.

Mr Christie served at Hyndland Parish Church in Glasgow for 14 years, where he encouraged ecumenical awareness and interfaith dialogue and was active in Christian Aid.

He has served as an interim minister since 2004, describing his role as "helping congregations over hurdles". His first wife, Elizabeth, died in 1993. His second wife, Annette, is a Scottish indoor bowling international.

The Moderator is responsible for chairing general assembly meetings, for church diplomacy, and for visiting and preaching in parishes and presbyteries across Scotland and there are also ecumenical functions. The role in an honorary one which is held for a one year period.

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