A new dawn was ushered in at St George’s Cricket Club on Monday night when Mishael Paynter was voted in as president at an historic annual meeting on his 38th birthday.

In front of what is believed to be the largest attendance at a club AGM — “it was standing-room only,” said one observer — Paynter was the overwhelming choice to succeed Neil Paynter, the longest-serving president of the postwar era.

After what was said to be a passionately well-crafted speech that outlined his vision for the club, the former vice-president garnered 92 votes from the members present, compared with 42 for Tiffany Hayward and 17 for incumbent vice-president Damon Walker, the longtime former chairman of selectors.

The development is a significant change of fortune from 11 months ago for Paynter, who was mightily disappointed not to take the top role when Neil Paynter elected to stay on for a 22nd and final year, abruptly quitting the vice-presidency.

“To be voted in as the president of St George’s Cricket Club is an honour and a privilege that I must thank the members for,’’ Paynter said.

The new president, an English language and arts teacher at Dellwood Middle School, also spoke on the circumstances which led to him stepping down from the vice-presidency.

“My stepping down was for personal reasons,” he said. “I had recently returned back from Nottingham Trent University when I still served as vice-president and chairman of sports and during that year I lost someone I considered my little brother and I also lost my best friend.

“So the time away from the club provided me with the opportunity to refresh myself and to look at St George’s Cricket Club from a different perspective, as I had been involved with the administration of the club since returning from the University of Birmingham in 2012 in various capacities.

“Although I stepped away I still helped those involved with the football and cricket programmes, but without the need to be hands on in a daily capacity and that time away allowed me to recharge.”

St George’s have failed to wrestle back the Cup Match trophy since surrendering it in 2012 and Paynter, a former opening batter, will explore all avenues in an attempt to bring an end to Somerset’s dominance in the Annual Classic.

“Cup Match is an important facet of St George’s Cricket Club,’’ he told The Royal Gazette. ”We have an amazing league team, coached by Clay Smith and led by a diverse group of on-field leaders with Onias Bascome as the captain, along with Sinclair Smith and Zeko Burgess assisting in vice-captain roles.

“Our team only missed out on winning the 50-over league by a closely contested game and are the reigning T20 champions after completing a three-peat of championships last season, so I believe it is important that I consult with them and our selectors to chart our course.”

As well as Paynter, the East End club welcomed a host of new faces on the executive and management committees.

Kyle Denbrook was voted in as the new vice-president, Jelani Carlington as secretary and Nicole Smith as assistant secretary.

On the management side, the committee has been bolstered by the additions of Chaka DeSilva and Nzari Paynter, both sons of former presidents.

Neil Paynter, who succeeded Louis “Red” DeSilva in 2002, is second in tenure only to W.S. Cooper (1910-1934).

The 56-year-old received a standing ovation after an impassioned farewell speech in which he implored members to be supportive of the committees and to be active at their club.

He also thanked his mentors, including past presidents Louis “Red” DeSilva and Mansfield “Bojangles” Smith, as well as former vice-president Calvin “Caledonia” Smith, who encouraged him to become involved in club life at a tender age before going off to university.

The new leader spoke of the wisdom he has acquired from his predecessor.

“The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt from Neil is that leadership is not about power, but how you can support, inspire and empower others to become the best version of themselves,’’ he added.

All eyes will be on the elected president to announce the composition of committees at the club.

“The process of putting together our committee should be completed within about a two-week period, as we collaborate to make the best use of the talents and skills of those on the executive and management of St George’s Cricket Club,’’ he said.