REV. JAMES PATERSON

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 106, 4 May 1917, Page 3

REV. JAMES PATERSON

HIS DIAMOND JUBILEE,

The attention of members of the. Wei'lington Presbyterian Church was drawn at thel last meeting, by the Clerk (Rev. W. Shirer), to the fact that the Rev. James Paterson, of Wellington, had completed' sixty years of ministry. . '■ The Rev. Dr. Elliott said that he was sure they were all glad to see their father, Mr. Paterson, among them still, and hoped that he would be spared yet longer to enjoy health and vigour. Mr. Paterson had done good work both at Home and in New Zealand, whither he had come- in the early days to help to build up the Presbyterian Church in a new land. He moved that :—

"The Presbytery of Wellington notes with extreme pleasure that the Rev. James Paterson, now the Father of the Presbytery, has attained his diamond jubilee as a minister of our Church, fie was ordained to his holy office in Liverpool on 9th April, 1857. The Presbytery congratulates him on.' his extended and honoured period of service. They testify to the whole-hearted fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of hie sacred calling, and hope that he may be long spared to guide and help them with his sound judgment arid matured experience. They earnestly pray tha.t his, closing days may be full'of peace, and that he may continue to enjoy in still increasing measure the conscious presence of the Divine Master, whose glorious Gospel he has proclaimed with eloquence and efficiency, and whom he has. loyally served. The Presbytery further resolves, to celebrate an event so unusual and interesting by a Presbyterial function, and.requests the clerk to make the necessary arrangements for this gathering."

Mr. W. M. Hannay, in seconding the motion, said coming to Wellington, he immediately connected'_ himself with St. John's, and ever since then hehad enjoyed and valued Mr. Paterson's friendship. Perhaps the younger members did not realise how much work Mr. Paterson had done in the early days,

both in the Church and in the community i He hoped Mr. Paterson would have many years to enjoy with them still. Mr W. Allan said he supported the motion with great pleasure. It was within four weeks, of thirty-nine years since he landed in New Zealand and became a member of St. John's. Ha had known Mr. Paterson during all these years, and held him in the highest esteem and affection. Kir Paterson was young and vigorous then; he was old and i vigorous now. He endorsed every word that had been said. Rev. J. M'Caw also supported the motion, which was then carried unanimously. • • The Rev. Mr. Paterson, in replying, said that the kindness of the members of Presbytery had touched him keenly i and deeply. He valued their respect, | and thanked them with all his heart for j their good wishes. He had had a long career as a minister. He was ordained in the congregation of St. Peter's, Liverpool, on 9th April, 1857, just sixty years ago. Later he had hived off and 1 built another church and founded a large congregation. But his heart was set on coming to the colonies, and in due course he came to New Zealand. Here he had laboured in the work of the ministry ever since. He felt what cause he had to be thankful to God, and prayed that so long as he 1 was spared to live and labour he might have the hearty sympathy and esteem of the members.