THE RESIGN AVION OF THE REV. GEORGE BURGESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10507, 29 July 1897, Page 5

THE RESIGN AVION OF THE REV. GEORGE BURGESS.

At tha usual monthly meeting of tho H Beresford • street Congregational Church jjheld last night, it was announced that the g Re*. George Burgees, F.R.A.S., Ims tendered his resignation of the pastorate, which n he has held with conspicuous ability for e: something like four years. Many and ®j genuine were the expressions of regret on the part of the members present, and a strong dosire was manifested to induce the ®' rev, gentleman to reconsider his decision. The deacons having previously met, passed 8 the following resolution :—" Resolved, that ' this deacons' meeting of the Beresford- » street Congregational Church, having re- , ceived with deep regret tbe intimation from their pastor, the Rev. George Burgess, ° F.R.A.S., of his intention to resign the " pastorate of the church, and learning that £ he desires his decision to be at once considered final, finds that it has no option left f but to recommend the church to accept a the same, which it now does. In making this recommendation, the deacons desire to place 011 record their very sincere regard lor Mr. BurgoEs, and their acknowledgemeats of the very cordial relations which I have always existed between him and the J deacon's board, and their high appreciation of the able and faithful manner in whioh ho hit discharged, the duties of minister in this church. Wq, the deacons, pray the Master to watch over and bless hlin and his through all the coming years." It was than unanimously resolved by the church meeting, " That this church meeting of tho Boresford-street Congregational 1 Church, has heard, with very much regret, the decision of their pastor, the Rev. Ceo. Burgess, F.R.A.S., to resign the pastorate. ' of the ohuroh which lie has held, with so much advantage to his people, during the past four years. And having learned that the decision is a final ono, accepts the same, and now places 011 record its appreciation of his high abilities, and of the faithful work which he has done in the church. Assuring him that he will long be affectionately remembered among us, and that his arduous labours, and elevated and inspiring teachings will abidingly Influence the lives and conduot of those who have been privileged to listoi) to him. While thus expressing our esteem, we pray the Master, whose love and wisdom and saving power have boon the high illumes of our pastor's teachings) to waioh over him and Ilia wherever that Master may lead thorn." Many people beyond the mcmborahip of the Church will be sorry to hear of the departure of Mr. Burgess, as he has established quite a reputation for the able and scholarly treatment of religious and social subjects in his Sunday evening lectures. The Rev. Mr. Burgess was elected the first chairman of the Arbitration and Conciliation Board for the Auckland District, and although he has never had the necessity of discharging the special function! of the office, both employers and employees had the utmost confidence in his fitness and impartiality. Mr. Burgess will continue to occupy the pulpit till the end of October.