REV. J. G. CHAPMAN

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 156, 30 December 1925, Page 5

REV. J. G. CHAPMAN

The death in retirement of the Rev. James Gate3 Chapman, lately'. minister of the Taranaki Methodist Church, i;ccurred suddenly to-day. The late Mr. Chapman was apparently in .good health yesterday, when ■ he was playing on the Thorndon bowling green. The flag of the Thorndon Bowling Club was flown at half mast to-day, as a token of respect to its late membfer.. The 'ate Mr. Chapman, who watf 62;. years of age, was born in London, and came to New "Zealand/ as a young man. Entering the ministry rf the Methodist Church he commenced service at Hawera/in' 1889. He-was then stationed successively at Leeston (1890----91), Wellington (1892), Milton (1893-94), and Ralclutha (1895-96). In 1897 lie paid a visit to England on the occasion cf the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. On his return he was. posted to the Pitt Street Methodist Church, Auckland, where he ministered until 1900. The next three years he served at Devonport, Auckland He was then transferred to Wnnganui, and served there until 1903, when he went to New Plymouth, where he was stationed for two years. In 1911 he was appointed to the Taranaki Street Methodist Church, Wellington, and served here continuously until 1920, when he retired owing to ill-health, having completed 34 years in the ministry. ■ ivlr. Chapman was well known as a great atudent of English literature, and was a fearless and powerful speaker. He was specially happy among young people, and was always a great help to the sick and bereaved, , The late Mr. Chapman married the eldest daughter of the late Mr. W. Wiggins, and leaves tt family of two daughters, Mrs. Bell, of Auckland, and Mrs. Saxton, o£ Wellington, and a son, Master Howard Chapman. The private funeral takes place, at 10 a.m. to-morrow. ...-.;