REV. JOHN MILLER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19882, 20 March 1930, Page 6

REV. JOHN MILLER.

«. RETIREMENT FR DM HIS CHARGE The resignation <ff ihe Rev. John Miller from the choirge of St. Giles', Papanui, because of illness was accepted with regret by yesterday's meeting of the Chtfstchurch Presbytery. Members of t)ie Presbytery and of his congregation spoke in deep appreciation of his services. Mr Miller was alto retiring Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery. His letter to ther Presbytery read: "With much regret I herewith tender nay resignation" ;U minister of St. Giles* Church, F'apanui, as from March 31st. 1&30. : I am feeling the burden and strain of the work of a congregation and realise that, with advancing years, my recuperative powers', since my recent illness, are so disappointing that I can no longer exercise tUe energy necessary in the work of ry pastorate." Mr R. D. Rule, session clerk of St. Giles', said that Mr Miller had been their mtyiister for four years. During that time the roll number had increased, from 53 to 200. He had always been most assiduous in his visitation, in attending: the sick, and in Prtsbytery work, fhey had always found/ him most sympathetic and the 'dea t»f his resigning tame as a bombshell., because he had been to active m b/s ministry. Tlje session had formed a deputation and had asked Mr Miller to consider baking a prolonged holiday instead of residing, but he had considered that the time had come when he should ptavd ' own and let a vounger man -tawe his place. ;Other members bf the congregation sp/oke in similar strain. The Rev. J. Di Webster said that Mr Miller had dope fine work in the charge and all felt what a loss his resignation would b6. "Mr Miller was 1 an experiment at , Papanui after we divided the charge," said the Rev. Dr. Erwin. "but his stay there fully Justified the Presbytery's decision to divide it." Mr Miller's resignation was accepted with profound regret, a committee was formed to formulate a motion of sympathy and appreciation of his work, and the Rev. G R. Aitken was appointed , interim-Moderator of St. Giles'.