Rev Gregor Henderson presented his final report as general secretary to Assembly 2000. He said there had been many changes since he first took up the position. Not the least was the introduction of email, a web site, a fax machine and mobile phones into the Assembly office.

"We had just one computer," Gregor said, "a new-fangled machine regarded with reverence and fear."

He said: "I have received grace upon grace, I have known love upon love, and I have experienced Christian fellowship as never before."

Gregor gave thanks to God and God’s church for the honour and pleasure of being the general secretary for more than half this church’s life. "It has been beautiful grace," he said, "marvellous love, and unbelievable rich fellowship. Uniting Church, I thank you."

Assembly 2000 elected Rev Terence Corkin as its new general secretary. He will start on January 1.

Terence was ordained in 1981 and has served in three country parishes. He is currently the Central West presbytery minister in NSW.

"I have enjoyed my 20 years as a country parson," he said, "and I admit leaving the country for city life is one of my regrets. I like people and the sense of being part of the whole community. But the church is a good family and that will still be there."

Besides tertiary qualifications in arts and theology, Terence has a bachelor of legal studies.

He said his response to the news his name would be put forward as the next general secretary, was "That’s awesome!"

"It is awesome to consider the responsibilities and expectations the church has placed on me. I know it’s going to demand of me every resource and capacity I can muster – and then some. It is awesome to see how God has worked and brought me to this ministry and responsibility. I have to admit it is not a field I imagined I would serve in."