A RETIRING PASTOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13691, 6 March 1908, Page 6

A RETIRING PASTOR.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. CLARK

A valedictory gathering of the congregation of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle was held in the schoolroom at the Tabernacle last evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to the Rev. Joseph Clark. Mr. Clark has held the position of pastor of the Tabernacle for nearly 11 years past. He is now about to retire, owing to illhealth, and will make his future residence at Lake Takapuna, but he will continue to remain a member of the church over which he lias presided for so many years. Mr. 8. 11. Matthews (secretary of the church) presided at last evening's meeting, and seats on the platform were also occupied by the Revs. A. North, Sneyd, and Woolley. Letters of apology for unavoidable absence from the meeting were received front the Revs. C. Carter and Kirwood (Mount RoskillJ. The speakers, till of whom testified to the high esteem in which Mr. Clark is held by the congregation and the community generally, were the Revs. A. North (representing the Auckland Baptist Auxiliary) and Sneyd (.Mount Eden Baptist Church), and Mr. F. N. Andrews (superintendent of the Sun-day-school).

A presentation of a handsome pinna was made to Mr. and Mrs. Clark by Mr. 11. M. Smeeton, on behalf of the congregation. A gift of a beau.'ful piano-stool and music whatnot, was alsv. made to the departing pastor and his wife on behalf of the choir.

Mr. Clark, in replying on behalf of Mrs. Clark and himself, expressed his regret at severing his connection with the church as pastor, and said that he was deeply touched by the kind expressions of esteem and goodwill that had been given utterance to by the various speakers. A musical programme was provided, and refreshments were also dispensed during the evening,