Expertise:
Spiritual counseling; Church administration; Worship
Hobbies/Sports:
Genealogy; Spending time with her two grandsons; Remodeling with her husband
Education Degrees:
Master of Divinity, Andover Newton Theological School (1990); Bachelor of Arts in English and Biblical Studies, Barrington College (1975)
Affiliations Awards:
Ordained Minister, Litchfield Plains Baptist Church; Pastoral Leadership Ministry Team, American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island; General Board Member, American Baptist Churches USA; The Ministers Council; American Association of Christian Counselors; Former President, American Baptist Historical Society; Former President, American Baptist International Ministries
Work History:
Waitress, Howard Johnson International, Inc.; Barrington College Communication Office; U.S. Census Enumerator and Supervisor; Demonstrator for Christmas Around the World, House of Lloyd; Pastor, Belgrade Church, Belgrade, ME; Director, Noah's Ark Daycare, Greene, ME; Interim Pastor, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Farmington, ME; Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jefferson, ME; Interim Pastor, Westside Baptist Church, Youngstown, OH; Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church, North Kingstown, RI; Pastor, The Baptist Church in Warren, RI; Co-Owner of Ricknesta Green Solutions, LLC
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlights of her career include making trips to South Africa to form relationships with the Baptist Convention and the Baptist Union of South Africa, as well as serving as a nongovernmental observer of the South African presidential elections in 1994.
Charity:
American Baptist Churches of Maine; American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island; American Baptist Churches USA
Number Of Years In Profession:
21
Number Of Years In Current Position:
8
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to the inspiration and support she received from her parents, who were leaders in their local church and community.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because life's circumstances guided her career path. She has been known to say that she did not choose this path, but was chosen.
Extended Bio Profile:
Rev. Irish serves at The Baptist Church in Warren, which was established in 1764 and forged ties with the Baptist Union of South Africa. During the time she served as a nongovernmental observer in one of the Southwest Townships (Soweto), it took more than 15 minutes of speedwalking to pass the line of waiting voters to reach the doors to the polling station. After voters were allowed into the building, she stopped the process so that the proper ink (visible only under black light), could be found for marking voters and their passbooks. She called NPR regularly from South Africa to give updates on her perspective of the elections. Her dentist was traveling on the other side of the country and said, "I know that person!" She was talking so fast that they didn't get the first conversation recorded.
The week before the elections, she was interviewed by a South African friend about the elections and how they compared to elections in the United States. This radio broadcast was heard by about 2 million people.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Preparing and conducting Sunday and special services, including funeral and wedding services; Conducting premarital counseling; Counseling families, and individuals in hospitals and correctional centers; Overseeing administrative duties
Education Certifications:
Certification, American Baptist Churches USA, ME (1991)