Our Team | The Presbytery of Perth

Who We Are

Meet the Team

Our Presbytery staff team is here to support congregations, ministers, elders, and deacons across the presbytery. You can find our contact details below—please get in touch, and we’ll be happy to offer any support you need.

Rev Dr John Ferguson

Presbytery Clerk

Edward Morton

Depute Clerk

Rev Drew Barrie

Moderator

Brenda Elwell Sutton

Associate Moderator

Mairi MacLeod

Safeguarding Officer

Jamie McNamara

Buildings Officer

Gayle Lennon

Mission Plan Implementation Officer

Karen Kelman

Communications Officer

Rev Valerie Allen

Lead Chaplain

Rev Eddie McKenna

Chaplain

Rev Iain McKenna

Chaplain

Moderator

Rev Drew Barrie became a Christian when he was at secondary school and felt a call to the ministry in his teenage years. He studied Civil Engineering at Strathclyde University and Theology at Aberdeen University. He then served as a parish minister for over 40 years. His first charge was a rural linkage on the Isle of Arran. He then moved to Westpark church Denny and after that to Trinity church in Rothesay. His final charge was St. Serf’s church in Tullibody. Drew is married and has two adult children. He enjoys walking and cooking and does some pulpit supply.

Drew can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Presbytery Clerk

The Rev Dr John Ferguson is the Presbytery Clerk. John was educated at Glasgow University and his first charge was in Kirkcaldy, followed by a 23 year period as parish minister at Peterculter in Aberdeen. John was also the part time Clerk for Aberdeen Presbytery and then Aberdeen and Shetland Presbytery. He is married with two grown up sons.

John can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Depute Clerk

Edward (Ed) Morton is the Depute Clerk. Before he joined the Presbytery of Perth he served as Depute Clerk to the legacy Presbytery of Stirling. Ed is an active member of St Ninians Old Parish Church in Stirling where he serves as Congregational Treasurer.

Ed can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Finance Officer

Currently Vacant

Buildings Officer

Jamie McNamara is the Buildings Officer. He has a wealth of experience in the building industry and is a conservation surveyor and heritage specialist.

Jamie can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Communications Officer

Karen Kelman has recently taken on the post of communications officer. She has worked in churches in the Church of Scotland for many years and is passionate about digital ministry and online worship.

Karen can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Safeguarding Officer

Mairi MacLeod has most recently worked as part of the engagement team for a cancer prevention charity, working with many national charities and alongside the NHS to increase awareness around cancer prevention, especially promoting key messages to groups in society that experience inequality and barriers to accessing screening. Mairi studied at Edinburgh Napier University and her background includes more than a dozen years as a professional trainer in both corporate and charity sectors. In her free time Mairi enjoys time out and about with her adorable west highland terrier, Archie!

Mairi can be contacted by clicking HERE.

Mission Plan Implementation Officer

Gayle Lennon has experience of Mission Planning, having worked for Fife Presbytery since October 2024. With a background in Business Management, she has worked with people and groups in a variety of settings. Gayle is passionate about a mission-centered church, and a church that is fit for this century and beyond, and helping people recognise mission as beyond a Sunday morning, and she looks forward to meeting, and working with congregations across Perth Presbytery.

Gayle can be contacted by clicking HERE

Lead Chaplain, Rev Dr Valerie Allen

Valerie has spent 23 years in parish ministry, six years in South Louisiana then 17 in Arbroath. Since leaving the parish her ministry has focussed on spiritual accompaniment, pastoral supervision and leading retreats and small groups. She has been a Presbytery chaplain for over 10 years (Stirling and Perth). She loves mountains and wild places, a passion she shares with her husband and young (delinquent!) Flat Coated Retriever.

Valerie can be contacted HERE