MINISTER RESIGNS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24134, 28 November 1941, Page 9

MINISTER RESIGNS

REV. H, KNOWLES KEMPTON CONGREGATION'S HIGH TRIBUTE His decision to relinquish his pastorate at the end of April was announced bv the Eev. H. Knowles Kempton at the last meeting of the congregation of the Grange Road Baptist Church. He stated that impaired health and the long illness of Mrs. Kempton necessitated his retirement. Mr. Kempton informed church officers of his intention, a few weeks ago, but a specially convened gathering of elders and deacons declined to deal with the matter. However, Mr. Kempton stated that on further consideration he found it impossible adequately to fill the pastorate.

The meeting accepted his resignation from the end of April, it being decided to relieve him of one service each Sunday in the meantime. There were many expressions of sympathy and regret" and a minute was passed unanimously referring to the very high order of Mr. Kemp ton's utterances from the pulpit. "His peerless preaching gift will be long and thankfully remembered, it was added, "and his brothcrliness to voung and old has been a gracious feature of a memorable pastorate. ' Mr. Kempton began a ministry of over 45 years at Canterbury, Enguind, and came to New Zealand more than 30 vears ago. He was for 11 years at the Baptist Tabernacle, Auckland, after which he was 10 years at the Hanover Street Church. Duuedin. Subsequently he served in Whangarei, and at Avondale and Mount Albert, before .going to the Grange Road Church, which ho has served for the past seven years.