A POPULAR MINISTER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19863, 26 February 1930, Page 13

A POPULAR MINISTER.

OXFORD TERRACE BAPTIST CHURCH. FAREWELL TO REV. J. ROBERTSON. Thcro was a large attendance ia the Oxford icrrace Baptist Church last night to bid farewell to the psstor, tie Rev. J. Robertson, and Mrs Roberts** and their son, Rutherford. Tb<* rostrtua and its vicinity were decorated with flowers and pot plants, Mr A. P. Carey presided. The chairman said they were gathered to honour and say farewell to the BeT. J. Robertson, Mrs Robertson, and their son, Rutherford. Mr Eobensoa himself had not been anxious for such & gathering, but had been prevailed upca to bear it with Christian, fortitude. Ia 46 years the Oxford terrace Baptist Church had b.3d oniy six ministers, so that such functions had not beea numerous. Amongst apologies received was one from Mr Justice Adams, who was absent on judicial business on the "West Coast. A letter of farewell and best wishes was read from the executive of the Baptist Union. Rev. E. T. Jones (Greendale), virepresident of the Canterbury Auxiliary of the Baptist Union, said that Mr Robertson had been president of the Auxiliary for three years, which was, perhaps, a record. Daring that period he had missed only two or three meetings. His most important work had been as ambassador of friendship amongst the churches. They congratulated bim on his appointment to Petersham, Sydney. Rev. D. Gardner Miller, chairman of tho Ministers' Association, paid a tribute to Mr Robertson's work on the Association. He expressed regrets and good wishes from Trinity Congregational Church. During Mr Robertson"* four years' ministry he had held a *«■*- manding position in the religious life> of the community. The Rev. John Miller, Moderator of the Christchureh Presbytery, amid that they deeply regretted the departure of Mr Robertson, who belonged not oarjr to Oxford terrace Church, bat to th« community. The Rev. Harold Sharp, speaking oa behalf of the Methodist Churches, said that they were sorry to lose Mr Robertson for his own sake. He had been a> true friend and a wise counsellor. He was a big man physically and big in outlook.

Mr C. S. Booth, on behalf ef the Broadcasting Company, expressed the company's appreciation of the valuable work done for broadcasting by Mr Eobertson. Mr E. B. Speirs voiced the appreciation of outsiders of Mr Robertson's ministry. Miss M. E. Osborn. on behalf of the church officers and the congregation, presented Mrs Robertson with * brass tray containing a -water jug and goblets of cut glass, and Master Rutherford Robertson with a silver serviette ring. The chairman, on behalf of the congregation and church, expressed their appreciation of the work and influence of Mr Robertson, and their regret at parting from him and Mr* Robertson and their son. Mr Robertson, he said, had made the chnrch. not a palace of varieties, not a .place of business, not a. committee room* but the House of God. As a tore totem from the church he asked Mr Robertson to accept a cheque. Mr Robertson on rising to speak was greeted with continued applanse. He said that it was with deep feeling that he said good-bye, because he had not anticipated to be called npmt to do so after four years* ministry. He eulogised the church officers for their work and for the assistance they had given him. The newspapers had heem very generous tor him with their space, and the Press of the city stood high in his esteem. Speaking of his impressions of New Zealand, he said that it-was a "wonderful nlace with a great future before it. There was a certain danger, and that was of the P&aplft becoming too conscious of the opinions of outsiders. That was not a g&ad, nor a healthy sign. New Zealand wanted to consolidate her Bf» and organise her activities, and thos make a great contribution to the Pacine and to the Kingdom of God in th» Pacific. In thanking them far their gifts and in saving good-bye, Mr Robertson said that if the Cbrista&ureh winters had been somewhat nriHer he would have liked to star on, though he felt that he was wanted in Australia in the present state of things there. The proceedings dosed wftk prayer and benediction by the Her. A. V. Stuart.

In the coarse of the evening vocal solos were Riven by Mil— Merie Miller, and Mary Taylor, Mean J. I*Tennant, and Mr Albeit & Draytoa, snd an instrumental trio vas ftiwa by Mr and Mrs Harold Beck, and IBs Dorothv Davies. A'vote of thanks va* accorded the artists.

After the close of the proceeding n the church an adjournment was Made to the Snnday School Hall for sooper. Mr and Mrs Robertson and an maer* for "Wellington to-morrow evening.