MINISTER HONOURED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 69, 19 September 1938, Page 11

MINISTER HONOURED

THE REV. W. SHIRER

JUBILEE CELEBRATED

An. interesting gathering took place yesterday afternoon, when a deputation consisting of representatives of St. James Church, Newtown, Kelburn Church, and the Wellington Presbytery waited upon the Rev W. Shirer at his residence to congratulate him on the attainment of his jubilee as a minister. Mr. Shirer has been ill for a long time, but he was able to see and receive his visitors, each of .whom expressed the love and esteem in which he as held not only in the Church but throughout the city. Mr. and Mrs. Shirer were much moved by this expression of regard, and afterwards entertained the visitors at tea, after which Mr. Wainwright, the Moderator, tenderly committed them to God in prayer. The minute of Presbytery ran as follows: —"The Presbytery desires to offer to the Rev. William Shirer its hearty congratulations on his attainment of his ministerial jubilee on September 18, 1938. Arriving in New Zealand in 1888, he was received by commission from the United Presbyterian Church as a licentiate. In the same year he was called to the Church of St. James, Newtown, and was ordained and inducted to that charge on September 18, 1888, by the Presbytery of Wellington. From then until his retirement on October 29, 1929, for the long period of 41 years, he carried on a most faithful and fruitful ministry. When he came there were 48 members and 27 adherents, and when he left there were 479 members on the roll. He was a faithful preacher and an indefatigable pastor. In season and out of season he faithfully shepherded his flock, yet he found time to visit regularly the hospitals and other public institutions, winning the love and admiration of all. He was also clerk of Presbytery for 31 years, from 1890 to 1921. He took much interest in military matters, and in recognition of his services he received the Long Service Medal and was awarded the high honour of 0.8. E. During the war also he gave yeoman service as convener of the chaplains' "committee.

"Presbytery deeply regrets that after a long period of service for others willingly given he should have been called to suffer such a long period of ill health, patiently borne and lightened by one who has been with him through all the vicissitudes of this mortal life, and who in the weakness and suffering has always played her part as a faithful wife. Presbytery prays that they may be strengthened and sustained to enjoy a peaceful evening in life and at last receive from God's hands the crown of life that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for all who truly love and serve Him."