A FORMER camera operator is following in his father’s footsteps to become a minister in East Renfrewshire.

Reverend Matthew Ritchie was ordained and inducted last week, becoming the new minister at Neilston Parish Church.

More than 100 people watched the service online, as the 35-year-old took his new role as the congregation’s spiritual leader.

Rev Ritchie’s told the Barrhead News how his father Rev Andrew Ritchie was the minister at Craiglockhart Parish Church, in Edinburgh, from 1991 to 2011 before he passed away in 2014.

And he said his dad would have been a “wee bit surprised” but “very proud” that he had chosen to serve the Kirk.

He said: “It is an honour to be ordained to the ministry in Neilston and although Covid-19 regulations made it a small event, I was glad that my family could be there and that so many people watched online.

“Although things are somewhat more complicated because of the pandemic, I believe that God is none the less present with us and has great plans for the church and for the village.”

Before training for the ministry, Rev Ritchie worked as freelance camera operator, producing corporate and promotional videos and covered weddings for nine years.

Married to Natasha with whom he has two children, Sarah, four, and Adam, six, the minister enjoys camping, model building, science fiction and fantasy.

“We often talk about the church in terms of doom and gloom but I think that as we approach the end of 2020 there is fantastic opportunity,” he added.

“I look forward to working with the people of Neilston to grow the Kingdom, reach out to the community and praise God in new ways and old.

“Growing up in a manse, I have been aware of the demands and joys of ministry and now being ordained into my own charge and with my younger brother Ewan training for ministry too, it seems like things have come somewhat full circle.

“I look forward to what the coming years bring.”