REV. J. PRINGLE’S RETIREMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21994, 2 April 1935, Page 9

REV. J. PRINGLE’S RETIREMENT

TRIBUTES TO HIS WORK FUNCTION AT CHALMERS CHURCH There was a large attendance at Chalmers Church last evening, when a farewell was accorded .to Rev. J. Pringle, who has been minister tor ten and a-half years, and has now reached retiring agb. Rev. Professor Hunter, D.D. (Interim Moderator), presided, and besides Mr and Mrs Pringle there were on the platform the Rev. D. C. Herron, Moderator of Dunedin Presbytery, and the Rev, 1. Miller. , , , , , , Mr Herron said he had heard very favourable reports of Mr Pringle-s work in other spheres, and in Chalmers Church he had stood the test. He was esteemed for his humility and sincerity, and for carrying through what he had undertaken. Ho wished Mr Pringle “light at eventide.” Mr Miller claimed a long-past acquaintance with Chalmers Church, and said he had conducted service for a month. The late Rev. Dr Win. M'Donald had preached in Gaelic. MiMiller extolled Mr Pringle as a hard worker and an earnest student of the Word of God, so that his preaching was informing and edifying. Above all, he was a man of God, and though ho had officially retired, he would be sure to be in work of the church, Mr Charles M'Kinnon spoke on behalf of the Temperance Reform Council, of which Mr Pringle was president. He was acquainted with Mr Pringle’s work at Edendale, where he was held in respect and veneration, He had not spared himself, and had done work of which the congregation was not aware. Convinced that strong drink was the greatest enemy of the Christian Church, he had laboured to promote temperance. Mr J. M. Dick (Kaikorai) spoke of their guests brotherliness and helpfulness, sincerity, and deep humility. His work as hospital chaplain had made many revere him as a Christian friend. Mr Alex Greig, representing the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand, said he had known Mr Pringle for nearly forty years as a good man and true. He wished him blessing in his future work.

Mr Peter Matheson said that through their minister’s wisdom and tact there had been no friction among the officebearers. He eulogised the work of Mrs Pringle and the manse family. Mr Malcolm Matheson said that their minister had won the sympathy and strong friendship of his people. As a pastor he was diligent, faithful, and sincere. On behalf of the congregation he presented Mr Pringle with a divan chair, and Mrs Pringle with a Hairlok fireside chair and a crystal necklace.

Miss Evans (secretary of the Women’s Club) also presented a bouquet from the ladies of the congregation. Miss Ilona MMvonzio (president) spoke in eulogy of Mrs Pringle for her workin the club, the P.W.M.U., and the guild. Mrs Pringle acknowledged the gifts, and Mr Pringle said that the cordial valedictory touched him very much. He bad high ideals, and the appreciation of his people showed that he had not lived and worked in vain. He paid a tribute to the responsiveness and loyalty of the congregation, and said that he would be still willing to visit his friends and assist in other ways.

Several vocalists, with Miss Gibson as accompanist, gave acceptable items, and supper was served. Mi - Malcolm Matbeson moved a hearty vote ol thanks, which was carried by acclamation.