Published Tuesday, 02 March 2010
The minister of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church in Belfast was nominated by 11 out of the 19 Presbyteries who met on Tuesday evening throughout Ireland.
Rev Hamilton, 63, will take up office on 7 June, succeeding to Dr Stafford Carson.
Last month, an election ended with a tie between Rev Norman Hamilton and Rev Norman McAuley,
Rev McAuley, minister of the Greenwell Street congregation in Newtownards, received the other eight nominations.
Commenting on his election Rev Hamilton said: "I am greatly humbled and surprised that this has come to me.
"I hope during my year to bring a very Biblical perspective to a wide range of issues that are important to both church and society."
Rev Norman Hamilton has been minister of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church in north Belfast for the last 22 years.
He is well known for his involvement in the community life of the area.
"The way our society works is through the democratic process", he said.
"Issues that affect people in the pews affect people in the community and affect our politicians and leaders too.
"The church needs to rediscover its place in civic society so that it plays an active and valued part for the benefit of all in our communities rather than just being one element among many looking after their own interests."