A young man has accepted a mission to serve his local community as Bishop for the second time.
Spencer McKeown is a young man with his hands full – he works full time as a portfolio manager for American Express, his wife just gave birth to their sixth child and he has been called as the Bishop of his local church… again!
Harrogate resident Spencer McKeown (38) has been ordained as the new Bishop of the 240-strong congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often nicknamed “Mormons”) in the Harrogate area.
In becoming the Bishop, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Jack and grandfather, Dougald who were also called to be a bishop twice.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – With 365 congregations in the UK, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for its focus on strengthening families, as well as for welfare and humanitarian aid projects throughout the world. There are 2027 members of the church in 7 congregations across the York area.
Spencer, who lives in West End, near Thruscross Reservoir is married to Louise. The couple are the parents of Naomi (15), Lucy-mae (13), Harvey (10), Maisey (8), Jay (5)and a new baby daughter Evie, born in July 2012.
The new assignment comes in addition to his ‘day job’ as a Technologies Manager for American Express. The local congregational leader for Latter-day Saints is the bishop (or branch president, for smaller congregations). A bishop holds the priesthood and is ordained to the office of bishop by a more senior Church leader. He earns his own living and receives no pay of any kind for his service in the Church. Bishops devote much of their free time to helping the local community and the members of the Church in their local areas.
Spencer was born in London, but has lived in Yorkshire since he was nine years old. As a 19 year old, Spencer volunteered as a full-time missionary and spent two years in South Africa. On his return to the UK, Spencer completed a Masters at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Spencer said:
Our church is largely run by ordinary men and women with strong faith who are devoted to serving our communities. Hopefully I’ll be a help and support to individuals and families who are facing life’s ups and downs just as we all do.
Mr McKeown will not only be responsible for the spiritual well-being of the local church members, he will also oversee education programmes, youth activities, budgeting and money management counselling along with a responsibility for the church building and grounds.
Spencer added:
I’m looking forward to this new challenge and hope above all to strengthen the homes and families in our area.
Mr McKeown will be assisted by two counsellors – former pilot, Greg Carson (57), and special needs teaching assistant and carer, Nick Kite(39).
Spencer succeeds Steve Hooson who served members in the Harrogate area for five years.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Harrogate, Thirsk, Ripon, Wetherby and Pately Bridge areas meet at 10:00am every Sunday at the Church building on Wetherby Road, HG2 3AS. All are welcome. Additionally, youth between the ages of 12-18 meet for fun activities every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at the Chapel.
You all remember Justin McKeown this is his brother. Drop Justin a line
and see what he is doing these days with his beautiful family. The
McKeown family has brought missionary messages to all of us through the years. you will find him on facebook. Peggy Jordan Kilroy