THE REV. J PATERSON. FAREWELL SERVICE AND PRESENTATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXVI, Issue 20, 23 July 1903, Page 7

THE REV. J PATERSON. FAREWELL SERVICE AND PRESENTATION.

There was a fairly "irge congregation assembled in St. John's Church last night ■when, a special service -was held in connection with the retirement of the Key James Paterson from the pastoral charge of the church. After a short devotional service, The Rev. J. Kennedy Elliott, who presided as the aenior member of the Wellington Presbytery, said the gathering had been called together for the purpose of saying good-bye to Mr. Paterson. He (the speaker) had admired the noble spirit shown by Mr. Paterson in his retirement from St. John's, for only one who was in the work could appreciate the position of a pastor who was giving up his life's York while there was still much usefulness left in him. During the thirty-five years he had been in charge of St. John's Mr. Paterson had achieved a record hard to beat, and had been noted for his prudence and judgment. He was going away for a well-deserved holiday, and one and all sincerely hoped that Mr. Paterson would soon be back among them again. The Rev. William Shirer spoke as the Clerk of the Presbytery, and said that members of the Presbytery had learned to appreciate Mr. Paterson as a true and earnest Christian gentleman and friend. They all joined in wishing him a happy holiday and long years of further service. The Rev. John Ross,' of Turakina, who had been a friend of Mr. Paterson since the latter arrived in the colony, paid) a warm tribute to the work of Mr. Paterson in the ministry. He (Mr. Ross) had no doubt that St. John's would go; on conquering and prospering. Mr./ J. G. W. Aitken, M.H.R., addressed Mr. Paterson on behalf of the congregation. He felt sure that had the night been less inclement the building would have been crowded with those who had served under the pastorate of Mr. Paterson. The latter's ministry had been such as very few men had been privileged to enjoy continuously in one church ; and throughout the long period of thirty-five years Mr. Paterson had retained the affection of his people. One of the outstanding features of a very lengthy ministry was the fact that there had never been a breakdown of the pastor's health, and this notwithstanding that Mr. Paterson had gone on. all the years without taking holidays. He was now about to take a prolonged holiday, which was .well deserved. Mr. Paterson had been a very faithful pastor, never sparing himself, and ever at the call of his people. The congregation had a strong appreciation of these qualities, and <he (Mr. Aitken) had been asked to say how much it was hoped the holiday would prove wholly enjoyable, and that Mr. Paterson would safely return to settle amongst his people once more. Mr. Aitken concluded by reading a farewell letter from the congregation to Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, and handing on behalf of the people a cheque for £247 to Mr. Paterson and a solid silver salver for Mrs. Paterson. The salver was presented to Mrs. Paterson as a token of love and affection, and in recognition of the assistance she had rendered the church and congregation during her husband's ministry. Replying, Mr. Paterson said he was at » tes for words to fitly reply to ail the^kind words spoken of his services. They had been kind words, genuinely spqken. He keenly felt the kindness of his brethren, Messrs. Elliott, Shirer, and Ross. He also thanked! Mr. Aitken and the congregation for the generous gifts, made to himself and Mrs. Paterson that night. He had always found St. John's very generous in all financial matters.i Money could not heal wounds bf the heart, but it was very useful, and would help him to more thoroughly enjoy his holiday abroad than he would otherwise ha\e been able to do. It was the love and loyalty of his people which prompted the gift that he appreciated. Those qualities gave the greatest pleasure. His had been a happy ministry until recently, when he had., come to realise that the parting of himself and the church must take place. He would not say farewell now ; his parting words would be said from the -pulpit next Sabbath. Mr. Paterson again thanked the congregation for its gifts to himself and his wife. He was pleased to say that Mrs. Paterson had had a renewal of health, but she could not attend the meeting. She had had her troubles and trials, and had worked with him for the good of the church. Therefor© he appreciated their present to her. He hoped on his return from the Old Country to give further help in the, work of the church. The meeting concluded with the pronouncing of a blessing by Mr. Paterson.