ST. JOHN’S CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 3, 28 September 1939, Page 2

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH

Departure Of Rev. J. R. Blanchard TRIBUTES IN REPORT \ Regret at the impending departure of Rev. J. R. Blanchard was expressed in the report presented at the annual meeting of St. John’s Church, Wellington, last night. “A little more than 12 years ago Mr. Blanchard, to our call, arrived in Wellington from Australia to be our minister,” said the report. “Since the close of the Church year he has received a call from Adelaide and will be severing his connexion with us. He has become so identified *yith the life of St. John’s and this city that it is hard to realize that he is going. Without doubt he will be missed, but we would congratulate him that, he is going to a sphere where he will have equally great opportunities for his undoubted ability.

“During thejyhole of his ministry in St. John’s Mr. Blanchard has maintained a very high standard of pulpit ministrations, characterized with a freshness and power of presentation which has helped to make real to many hearts the deep things of Christ and the gospel of His grace. The broadcasts of Mr. Blanchard’s Sunday services from St. John’s and also his weekday broadcast services have been highly appreciated throughout the Dominion. it will be a matter of keen regret to thousands when, with his departure for Adelaide, those helpful broadcasts cease.

“Mr. Blanchard has ever sought to maintain the position of St. John’s in the community, the result of and the high place which it now enjoys is in no small measure his efforts. As a pastor his visits to the infirm, the suffering and sorrowing have been greatly valued and a source of much consolation and blessing. As would be expected, one in the position of minister of a church like St. John’s would have to undertake obligations and duties outside the church, specially in connexion with the church at large, as well as in the interests of the community. Mr. Blanchard has taken his full share and jierformed these duties and obligations with distinction.” Drift to Suburbs. On Wednesday, June 21, the Presbytery of Wellington made its triennial visitation of the congregation. At the morning service of July 16 the Rev. J. S. Murray, ALA., preached and read the following finding:— ‘•Presbytery, having heard the report 'of the commission which visited St. John’s Congregation, gives thanks to God for the many tokens of His presence and blessing iu the worship and work of that congregation. Presbytery commends the minister, the R6v. J. R. Blanchard, I he office bearers and members for the able and diligent way in which the various departments Of the Congregation’s activities are being carried on. It expresses gratitude, in particular for the high .standard of pulpit efficiency, the fine work among the young men and women, and the generous giving of the people to the wider schemes of Iho whole Church, and acknowledges the valuable contribution which is being made by this congregation ,to the religious life of the community. Presbytery recognizes the increasing difficulties which sur-

round the congregation because of the steady drift of the population to the suburbs, reminds all members that the Grace of God is sufficient for every new contingency which may arise, and encourages them to work and worship together in hope and faith and love.”