May 26, 2003
by Eva Stimson

DENVER - When he talks, it is obvious that the Rev. J. Barrie Shepherd was not born in the United States. This retired Presbyterian minister is known around the church for his widely published poetry and for his delightful Scottish brogue.

What many of his church friends may not know is that Shepherd, who has lived in the United States for 43 years, did not become a U.S. citizen until moved to do so by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Shepherd left Scotland and came to the United States for graduate study in 1960. His wife, Mhairi, joined him a year later. They raised four daughters together. He served as a pastor. They considered this country their home, but on paper they remained citizens of Great Britain.

Wed fully intended to become citizens, but its a long process, Shepherd said while autographing books in the General Assembly Exhibit Hall. We kept putting it off. We Scots dont believe in rushing into things.

Then came 9/11. At the time, Shepherd was pastor of First Presbyterian Church in New York City.

When terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center, Shepherd said, eight people from our church family were killed wonderful people whod been very much a part of my life.

At that point, he and his wife decided it was time to publicly affirm their connection to their adopted land. We owe this country a lot, Shepherd said.

Within a week of 9/11, both had sent in their citizenship forms. Last summer they took the required exams, and in December they were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

They voted for the first time in last Tuesdays primary elections.

PCUSA News Service