The Sole Nominee to the vacancy of Carluke: St Andrew's in deferred union with Carluke: St John's, the Rev Dr Elijah Obinna, was elected by a vote of the two congregations after he had conducted morning worship in both churches on Sunday, 20 September.

There was a good turnout in both churches and the combined vote from both congregations was 209 in favour and 25 against the Call of Dr Obinna.

Anna Lumsden and Euan Easton were present at the count on behalf of Lanark Presbytery and the count was conducted in front of members of the joint Kirk Sessions by the Interim Moderator, Rev Ian MacKenzie. The vote at St John's took longer than expected and the count did not get under way until well after 1:00 pm.  A number of members from both churches waited behind in St John's sanctuary until the result was declared.  Dr Obinna then said a few words of thanks and said that he was looking forward to taking up the challenges associated with the post.

The Call will be available at certain times throughout the coming week for all members and adherents from both churches to sign.