Half a Century of Service to Church Ends

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 22, 26 February 1940, Page 4

Half a Century of Service to Church Ends

TEN YEARS IN PUKEKOHE REV. J. PATTISON FAREWELLED RETIREMENT FROM THE MINISTRY PRESE NT A TlO NS \IA D E GIFTS FOR MRS & MISS PATTISON To have worked among his people for 10 years and to have retained their affection and admiration throughout is the enviable experience of the Rev. J. Pattison, Presbyterian Minister at Pukekohe, who retires from active service in the ministry at the end of this month. Mr Pattison has given almost half a century of his life in the service of the church. The esteem in which Mr and Mrs Pattison are held, not only in Pukekohe hut in districts surrounding the geographic centre of Franklin, was demonstrated on Thursday evening at the Presbyterian Sunday school hall where Ihe parishioners of St. James’ Church and friends assembled to hid them farewell.

Attendance a Tribute The large attendance —the seating accommodation was totally inadequate —was indeed a filling tribute to a man who has so ably guided the spiritual destinies of so many over Ihe years, and who in a few days will quietly lay down the reins of office to enjoy a well earned rest. It is the wish of St. James’ parishioners and of Mr Patlison’s many friends outside Ihe hounds of the Presbyterian church that (he rest will he a long one and that both he and Mrs Pattison will he blessed with perfect, health.

Proceedings opened with the singing oi' God Save the King, after which the chairman. Mr W. F. J. Munro. read apologies for absence on behalf of the Rev. W. G. Slade and Mr R. G. Clark, who are allending the Melhodisl Conference in Dunedin: Ihe Rev. E. Orange of Papaloeloe. Modern lor "61' the Soulli Auckland Presbytery, who is in Wellington, and the Rev. A. E. Prebble, vicar of Pukekohe. absent in Nelson allending ihe Anglican Synod. Mr Prebble conveyed by telegram his besl wishes io the Rev. and Mrs PnlI ison.

“You are laying down the reins of office after half a century of faithful work in Ihe service of the church,” said Mr Munro in addressing Mr Pul - lison. “Your feelings tonight would be difficult to know: they are mingled perhaps with sadness and perhaps wilii joy at the prosper! of giving up the work of a lifetime.”

Mr Munro went on to soy that when Mr Pattison was in Queensland, he had the call to enter the church and after filling himself for what was to he his life's work lie was ordained ill years ago. Later lie spent some lime in Ihe United Slates and returned 1.0 Australia, He then decided to try his fortune in New Zealand first going to Akaroa in I lie South Island and then to 11 i e North island 1.0 the Sommerviile church in Auckland. Ten years ago he was called fo Pukekohe. “When he returned to Australia he was married and while we take our hats off to him for the good worklie has done I am going to suggest I hat he could not have accomplished much wilhoul his wonderful helpmeet." said Mr Munro amid applause. Ministers Have Varied Duties

Continuing, Mr Munro said Hie life of a minister of religion was most, varied .... In Mr Pallison’s case he could say that all had derived great benefit and comfort from his lessons from the pulpit—messages that appealed because of their sincerity, straightforwardness and earnestness and given in a pleasant manner which was characteristic of Mr Pattison. In getting among the people a minister learned something of the sorrows of his parishioners and it fell to his lot to extend a sympathetic hand and to give advice. There were many organisations in a church that called for the guidance of the Minister. Mr Pattison had discharged his duties in all these with distinction, and had endeared himself to all. It, was hard to realise that he was taking his leave ot them to retire and enjoy a well-earned rest. Despite his ripe age he looked so fresh and young, but the lime had 1o come when all had to lay down Ihe reins of office. “That time has come for you,” said Mr Munro turning to Mr Pattison. On behalf of the parishioners of the Charge, Mr Munro asked Mr Pattison to accept a wallet and cheque, with the good wishes of all, for his future happiness. The Rev. Warren, of Clevcdon, on behalf of llie congregations not represented. conveyed good wishes to Mr and Mrs Pattison for future good health and happiness. Mr Warren said that Mr Pattison was the grandfather of the South Auckland Presbytery and the younger members looked l.i him for guidance which was always generously given. In the departure, of Mr Pattison, the whole Presbytery, and not only Pukekohe, would suffer an irreparable loss. It was largely due to Mr Pattison that the Presbytery was constituted. The congregations ir. the' Presbytery not represented joined in wishing Mr and Mrs Pallison Cod speed and many years of rest. run satisfied.” said Mr Warren in

The Value of a Man’s Wife conclusion, “Ihat no man can do much constructive' work wilhoul the aid of tiis wife. Mrs Pattison lias done much lo assist Iter husband to accomplish what lie lias done.” The Rev. G. F. McKenzie, Drury, said they were present to honour the man who had done much io have the Soull l Auckland Presbytery constituted — the Rev. J. Pattison. When lie departed the Presbytery would miss him, particularly his wide experience, foi after all it was a young Presbytery, whose members were young also. While Mr Pattison was a veteran in years be always appeared so young. Me had kept himself young in outlook also, and had kept progress with Ihe modern trend of things. He trusted, however, that while lie was going to live in Takapuna, they would see him from time to time. Mrs Pattison had played her part as ihe wife of a busy minister, very well indeed. By her cheerful and charming personality she had endeared herself to all. Mr McKenzie, in conclusion, wished Mr and Mrs Pattison every happiness in their retirement.

Mrs .las. Crosbie, on behalf of Ihe women’s organisations of the church, paid a tribute to Mrs Pattison's lead-en-hip and expressed regret at her departure. “I can assure you a very warm welcome whenever you come to Pukekohe,” said Mrs Crosbie, who then asked Mrs Pattison io accept a handbag and cheque as a token of ilte esteem in which she is held by Hie women of the church.

A lovely posy was handed to Mrs Pattison by Dorothy Jones and a basket of flowers by Miss Muriel Comrie. \ lovely crystal vase was presented to Miss Pixie Pattison by Miss Barbara Tibbs from Hie young people of the church.

The gathering rose and sang “For They are -lolly Good Fellows.”

“This is indeed a great meeting, a great household gathering, it is more than worthy of the occasion,” said Mr Pattison in reply. “1 know you are friends. I am sure no man. his wife and daughter could wish l'oh anything more beautiful, hearty and kindly as a farewell gathering such as Ibis. . .

\Y'< are all greatly pleased, in fact. 1 Prilled with the general expression of kindliness and goodwill. . . . and I desire lo express our deep personal gratitude to all who assisled in providing such appropriate gifts. “The Time to Say Good-bye” •■The lime lias come for us io leave (his pari, of God’s vineyard.” continued Mr Pattison. “We have been here JO years and for my part I feel it is not wise for a man lo slay too long. I hope I have not stayed too long. lam going now: iam reliving from the ministry after giving upwards of 50 years in the service of the church.”

Mr Pattison went on to say that if he could live his life again and had Ihe opportunity of choosing liis calling lie would again choose the ministry. . . . Jl was the highest and most honourable calling, and as long as lie was able lie would keep on preaching Hie gospel. “it gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction to leave Hie place unencumbered,” said Mr Pattison when referring to Hie equipment of the church in Pukekohe. “There is sufficient equipment lo carry on all the activities of Ihe church. 1 am not leaving my successor handicapped with a burdensome debl. This state of affairs is due to Hie kindly co-op era I ion of the people and of the various organisations which had worked as one toward accomplishment and they are deserving of the blessing of God,” he added.

Credit, for llie provision ol' a fine Sunday school hall and church improvements was accorded the Women’s duilds by Mr Pattison, who said the efforts of ihe women had been an inspiration to others to work for the welfare of the church. He said he was deeply grateful for what had been dene. "We have spent 10 of the most happy years of our lives in Pukekohe,” continued Mr Pattison. r We have made many contacts, many loyal and staunch friends and we hope we will he able to see them now and then.”

An Inspiring Helper Mr Pattison said he decided to acknowledge publicly his thankfulness for the part Mrs Pattison had played in church life and in his life’s work. "She has been an inspiring helper. I have not fold my wife yel, but the help-meet referred to in the Bible is one who answers back. ... I have been happy, fortunate and Divinely favoured with my partner in life . . . My relations with the Presbytery have been of the happiest also, and I have many regrets in laying down the armour. It is a unique experience to retire, but 1 do not feel sad. I have enjoyed my work and have had a good innings. I have had variety. J have seen many lands and peoples. ... 1 am deeply grateful for the co-operation of my congregation, in fact the entire community, including all denominations. In conclusion let me express my very deep personal gratification and thankfulness to all, particularly those who made this function and those handsome gifts possible,” concluded Mr Pattison. At this stage a quaretet, Messrs .). Murray, .las. Roulston, A. D. Young ami W. 0. McKinnon sang “’’Will Ye Noo Come Back Again.” Items were given by the SI. .lames choir. Mr McKinnon. Miss W. Barnell, Mrs Twidle, Mrs Davenport. Mrs Campbell and Miss Cow. The accompaniments were played by Mrs .1. Murray and Mrs 12. J. Campbell. Supper was served and thus ended a memorable gathering.