The Rev Dr Samuel John Dixon was born on March 30th, 1943, at Redhills, Co Cavan. Elected Moderator for 1998-99 by receiving the vote of 17 of the 21 presbyteries in the country, he was educated at Clones, Co Monaghan; Magee University, Derry; and Trinity College Dublin. He also attended Magee Theological College, New College Edinburgh, and the Presbyterian College, Belfast.
He was ordained as an assistant minister in 1968. He was minister in Rathfriland from 1970, before his appointment to the First Antrim Presbytery in May 1980, where he still ministers. He has a particular interest in the church's overseas work and has spent extended periods working in Nepal and Jamaica.
He is married to Claire and has two daughters.