James Stewart lives in Riddlesden with his wife, Annette and baby daughter, Eva, and has attended the Church in Keighley all of his life. In becoming the bishop, he walks in his father's footsteps who led the congregation in the late 1980s.
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The new assignment comes in addition to his "˜day job' as a design engineer for an international oil and gas company. Across the UK, the Church is run by a lay ministry who devote much of their free time to helping the local community and the members of the Church in their areas.
"It's a huge responsibility to take on the role of bishop in the Keighley area. Bishops of the local congregation who have gone before me have had an enormous influence for good in my life "“ and I hope to be able to do the same for others, including for those not of our faith," says James. "It's not an exaggeration to say I probably wouldn't be where I am today without these good leaders in Keighley."
James has lived in Keighley for most of his life, receiving his education at Holycroft School, Bronte Middle School and Oakbank School before going on to complete a BEng from Bradford University.
James will not only be responsible for the spiritual well-being of the local Church membership, he will also oversee education programmes, youth outreach work, budgeting and money management counselling along with a responsibility for the church building and grounds.
Bishop Stewart says: "I'm looking forward to this new challenge and hope above all to strengthen the homes and families in our area."
James succeeds Ian Hancock, of Silsden, who served members in Keighley and the Aire Valley for five years. Previous leaders of the Keighley congregation include Evan Kitsell, Simon McNee, Karl Kagi, John Stewart, Robin Collins and Frank Henson. James is the youngest to serve in this way.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Keighley area meet every Sunday at 10:00 am on Worstead Road, BD22 9AS just off Halifax Road in Crossroads. Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 meet for fun activities every Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm at the chapel. All are welcome.