From Stage to Pulpit - Rev'd Lawrie Adam

Lawrie Adam, son of a Scottish coal miner, and born on the brink of WWII, showed the talent and drive to succeed professionally in the world of entertainment. He worked as a salesman in a drapery store until his ability with his accordion resulted in him winning an appearance on a national TV talent show, was spotted by a Scottish star, and invited to turn professional.

Later, after a rocky start in London working in west-end stores to make ends meet, he slowly made his mark, appearing with the big stars of the day. He broadcast on BBC Radio, appearing on the famous 'Blackpool Night' and other radio shows. In 1964, he married dancer Wendy, and they have two daughters. They travelled many miles together, performing in shows in the UK. Two tours of Canada and the U.S.A. followed, with appearances at the famous Carnegie Hall, New York. He diversified into comedy, and produced and toured his own shows.

In 1976, whilst appearing with comedian Ken Dodd, Lawrie Adam experienced a religious conversion. He was ordained in 1982 into the Church of England. He presented TV programmes for ITV and directed 200 video programmes. In 2000, was voted finalist in "Preacher of the Year."

This is his story.

Lawrie Adam was born in a small coal-mining town in Scotland. His ability with the accordion took him onto theatre and concert stages throughout the world. He won an appearance on a national TV Talent Show, was spotted by a Scottish star, and invited to turn professional. After a rocky start in London, working in west-end stores to make ends meet, he slowly made his mark appearing with the big stars of the day. In 1964, he married Wendy a dancer, and they have two daughters. Tours of Canada and America culminated in appearances at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York. Named Virtuoso of the accordion, he recorded an LP album for Avoca records USA and several recordings on other labels. He diversified into comedy and producing his own shows successfully toured them all over the UK. In 1976, whilst appearing at the Villa Marina on the Isle of Man with star comedian Ken Dodd, he experienced a religious conversion. He was ordained in 1982 into the Church of England. As a vicar, he had a dual role, pioneering awareness documentaries. Eventually, Gatehouse Television Limited was formed winning awards for films dealing with drug abuse, alcoholism, deafness, bereavement, child abuse and many more totalling over 200 programmes. in 2000, Lawrie was voted a finalist in the Daily Times 'Preacher of the Year' competition. He presented a series of Network TV programmes called 'My Favourite Hymns' for ITV.