TRIBUTES TO MINISTER

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22676, 3 April 1939, Page 3

TRIBUTES TO MINISTER

THE REV. F. GARDNER BROWN HONOURED

The esteem in which the Rev. F. Gardner Brown and Mrs Brown are held was shown by the large congregation which attended Mr Brown’s farewell service at New Brighton last night. Mr Brown, who has been in charge of the New Brighton and Shirley Methodist Churches for the last four years, has been transferred to the Dominion Road Methodist Church, Auckland, and with Mrs Brown and his family will leave for the new charge to-morrow.

After the service the congregation met Jn the schoolroom to say farewell to and Mrs Brown. Mr F. C. Sincock, on behalf of the church and congregation, presented Mr Brown with a leather suitcase and a cheque.

Mr P. Nelson, who presided, said that those present were losing a good friend. “I have learned to respect him as a fine Christian gentleman, and with the passing of the years one has learned to hold him in greater respect for his abilities as . a businessman and a Christian minister,” said Mr Nelson. “Mrs Brown has been a fine helpmate to Mr Brown.”

“The borough of New Brighton is suffering a great loss through the departure of Mr Brown, for during his term he has been of great assistance to the Mayoress and myself,” said the Mbyor (Mr E, L. Smith). “In all. my difficulties I have had a real and good friend in Mr Brown.”

Other speakers included Messrs Roy Pepperill, Ai E. Lawry, F. Sincock, B. Taylor, the Rev. H. L. Fiebig, and Captain Morley. Presentations were made to Mrs Brown by women of the church.