An Ulster-born Minister, who now serves in North Carolina, has been announced as the new Moderator-Designate of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).

The church has congregations in the UK, Canada, USA, Sri Lanka, Spain and France - with seven congregations in the Western Isles. 

Rev. Gavin Beers, who is minister in Mebane, USA, is due to take up his duties in May.

The General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) is due to meet in Partick Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) on Monday 22 May and is expected to last until Thursday 25 May.

Mr. Beers is a native of County Down in Northern Ireland and by the age of 15 was a convinced atheist, the church explained in a media release on Thursday December 22.

But during his time at university he came into contact with Christian people and was converted. Some years later he started to study for the ministry.

During his initial theological studies, he was led to increasingly reformed convictions. He joined the Free Church (Continuing) after becoming convinced of the doctrine of infant baptism and having embraced the principle of exclusive psalmody.

Further studies followed and in 2003 he and his young family moved to Waternish, on the Isle of Skye, where he was engaged as pulpit supply alongside his seminary training. The Beers made many friends during their time in the island and are always glad of an opportunity to visit.

On the completion of his studies he commenced his ministry in Ayr in 2005 – and 12 happy years in Ayrshire ended when he accepted an invitation to move to Mebane, North Carolina as a church planter.

During his four years there, the congregation has grown and is currently in the process of purchasing a first permanent place of worship.

Mr. Beers has been happily married to Alison, also from Northern Ireland, for 22 years and they have six children ranging in age from 12 to 21.