It is with deep sadness that the United Reformed Church (URC) announces the death of the Revd Arnold Harrison.

Arnold served as Moderator of the Yorkshire Synod, Clerk of the North Western Province, Secretary of the Nominations Committee, Minister of Bramhall URC, the Darwen Group of churches and, before the formation of the URC in 1972, as Minister at Duckworth Street Congregational Church (now Central URC Darwen).

Born in Sunderland in 1943, Arnold’s father was a shipyard worker. Arnold entered training at Northern College, Manchester, in 1961, and was ordained in 1966.

Arnold gained a Bachelor of Arts degree, served as a magistrate and was an honorary member of Rotary.

While serving as Synod Moderator, he was a member of St Andrew’s Roundhay, Leeds, and, after retiring, became a member of Hale URC.

In 2016, Arnold celebrated 50 years of ministry and preached at Central URC Darwen to celebrate the anniversary.

The Revd John Proctor, General Secretary of the URC, said: “Arnold will be remembered as an able and respected leader, a warm and caring pastor, and a faithful and trusted servant of the Church. We thank God for his long ministry and for all that he contributed among our churches and in the wider community.”

Arnold died after a short illness.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Muriel, their family and friends.