The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has named Derrick Porter as the new executive producer, principal writer, and presenter of “Music & the Spoken Word,” replacing Lloyd Newell, who has served for the past 34 years.
“This kind of announcement is very rare, considering that during the past three decades, we’ve all become accustomed to hearing Lloyd Newell on Sunday mornings,” said Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of the Church and an advisor to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. “We are thrilled about the future of this program and know it will continue to bring peace and hope in a troubled world through its music and messages each week.”
Porter, 42, resides in Bountiful, Utah. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of six children. He currently serves as a bishop in his local congregation.
“Rebecca and I marveled as we’ve reflected upon this call extended by President Nelson,” Porter said. “I am sincerely humbled at the opportunity to serve as a steward to carry on this great legacy.”
Lloyd Newell has served as writer and presenter of the Spoken Word since 1990. Only two others have been the announcer of the Choir on the weekly broadcast—Elder Richard L. Evans and J. Spencer Kinard. Newell and his wife, Karmel, have been called to serve as mission leaders for the California Los Angeles Mission and will begin their service in mid-June.
You can read more about this new calling on Church Newsroom.
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