WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 59, 10 March 1926, Page 3

WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

RESIGNATION OF REV. DR. GIBB.

A meeting of the Wellington Presbytery was held last evening at St. Andrew's Schoolroom, the Eev. J. A. Allen presiding.. • ■ The clerk read a letter from the Eev. Dr. Gibb resigning his position as minister of St. John's Church, Willis street, as from 18th April. He stated that he had been in active service since 1882, and had been for 18 years in charge of First Church, Dunedin, and for nearly 23 years minister of St. John's Church, Wellington. He had been 44 years in the active service of the church. The matter has already been before the church session, and the fact of his intention to resign was announced several weeks ago. A deputation from the congregation attended the Presbytery meeting. . '

The Eev. D. J. Shaw said he had attended the meeting of the congregation when the letter of resignation was read. He had been much impressed with the deep feeling of regret shown by those present on receiving intimation of Dr. Gibb's retirement, but it was felt that it was only due to Dr. Gibb, in view of the fact that he had asked so definitely to retire, that his wish be respected. In many respects, his ministry had been quite unique. The speaker referred to Dr. Gibb's outstanding ability, preaching power, and strong personality.

Mr. Hopkirk read the minute drawn up on behalf of the office-bearers of St. John's Church. The minute outlined the history of the retiring minister, including his many activities in this city, especally those connected with the Presbyterian Church in Wellington, and eulogised his valuable service. Mr. Hopkirk paid a deep personal tribute to Dr. Gibb. ,

Mr.' M. D. Menelaus expressed the hope that Dr. Gibb would long be spared to carry on much useful work in the church in New Zealand.

Mr. G. Troup said he had never in all his experience met; so tireless a worker as Dr. Gibb. He bore testimony to Dr. Gibb's great gifts as" a preacher—perhaps one of the greatest New Zealand had ever seen in the Presbyterian Ohurch.

Mr. T. E. Creswell alluded to the prominent position in the church so long occupied by Dr. Gibb. Ho was a man of do""r'?nt personality, strong preaching power,-and one whose sympathy was much appreciated in times of trouble.

Mr. Webber, Mr. T. Brasch, and the Eev. J. M'Caw also bore testimony to the regret of the people at the retirement of their minister, and added personal tributes to his work and worth.

On the motion of the Eev. D. J. Shaw, the resignation of the'Eev. Dr. Gibb was accepted with deep regret. The Eev. W. Comrie referred to his long acquaintance with Dr. Gibb—for nearly 40 years. Dr. Gibb had all his life stood for the evangelical and the ethical. He was the oldest minister in the active service of the church, and had done really great work. ;

The resignation was accepted. ' The Bey. D. J. Shaw moved that Dr. Gibb be granted the status of a senior minister of St. John's, and, as requested by him, without rights or responsibilities. : . The Eev. B. Inglis seconded the motion. ■,'

The Eev. J. Mackenzie said that such a proposal was contrary to the constitution of the church. He moved a resolution to the effect that the Presbytery recommend to the Assembly that Dr. G/bb be appointed minister emeritus, with- a seat in the church courts. Mr. Hopkirk contended that there were many precedents for the proposal to appoint Dr. Gibb a senior minister at St. John's.

The Bey. W. J. Comrie moved that t:.e matter be postponed until the next' meeting of the Presbytery, and that a committee be appointed to consider the question and report. The Eev. D. J. Shaw accepted' the suggestion of the Eev. W. J. Comrie which was agreed to. A committee was appointed to draw up a minute on behalf of the Presbytery.