WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12393, 12 March 1926, Page 4

WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

REV. DR. GIBB’S RESIGNATION

FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF CHURCH WORK SENIOR MINISTER AT ST. JOHN’S A meeting of the Wellington Presbytery was held at St. Andrew’s Schoolroom, the Rev. J. A. Allen presiding. The clerk read a letter from the Rev. Dr Gibb resigning his position as minister of St. John’s Church, Willis street, as from April 18th. He stated that he had been in active service since 1822, and had been for 18 years in charge of First Church, Dunedin, and for nearly 23 years minister of St.' John’s Church, Wellington. He had been 44 years in the active service of the church. The matter has already been before the church session, and the fact of his intention to resign was announced several weeks ago. A deputation from the congregation attended the presbytery meeting. The Rev. D. J. Shaw said he had lattended the meeting of the congregation when the letter of resignation uvas read. He had been much impressed with the deep feeling of regret (shown by those present on receiving intimation of Dr Gibb’s retirement, but it was felt that it was only due to Dr Gibb, in view of the fact that he had asked so definitely tfr retire, that[bis wish be, respected. In many rejspects, his ministry had been quite .unique. The speaker referred to Dr Gibb’s outstanding ability, preaching power, and strong personality. Mr Hopkirk read the minute drawn up on behalf of the office-bearers of St. John’s Church. The minute out-, lined the history of the retiring minister, including his many activities in this city, especially those connected with the- Presbyterian Church in Wellington, and eulogised his valuable .service. Mr Hopkirk paid a deep personal tribute, to Dr Gibb. Mr M. D. Menelaus expressed the hope that Dr Gibb would long be spared to carry on much useful work in the church in New Zealand. A TIRELESS WORKER Mr G. Troup said he had never in jail his experience met so tireless a [worker as Dr'Gibb..- He bore testimony -to Dr_Gibb’s great gifts as a preacher —perhaps one of the greatest New Zealand had ever seen in the Presbyterian Church. Mr T. R. Cresswell alluded to the prominent position in the church so long occupied by Dt Gibb. He was a man of dominant personality, strong preaching power, and one whose sympathy was much appreciated in times of trouble. Mr Webber, Mr T. Brasch', and the Rev. J. McCaw also bore testimony to the regret of the people at the retirement of their minister, and added personal tributes to his work and worth. On the motion of the Rev. D. J. Shaw, the resignation of the Rev. Dr Gibb was accepted with deep regret. The Rev. W. Comrie referred to his long acquaintance with Dr Gibb—for nearly 40 years. Dr Gibb had all his life stood for the. evangelical and the ethical. He was the oldest ministerin the active service of the church, and had done really great work. The resignation was accepted.. A SENIOR MINISTER? The Rev. D.. J. Shaw moved that Dr Gibb be granted the status of a senior minister of St. John’s, and, as requested by him, without rights or responsibilities. “ The Rev. R, Inglis seconded the motion. The Rev. J. Mackenzie .said that such a proposal was - contrary to the constitution of the He moved a resolution to the effect that the Presbytery recommend to the Assembly that Dr Gibb be appointed minister, emeritus, with a seat in the church courts. - . Mr Hopkirk contended that there were many precedents for the proposal .to appoint Dr Gibb a senior minister •at St. John’s. The Rev. W. J. Comrie moved that the matter he postponed until the next meeting of the Presbytery, and that a committee be appointed to consider the question and report. The Rev. D. J. Shaw accepted the suggestion of the Rev. W. J. Comrie, which was agreed to. A committee was appointed to draw up a minute onbehalf of the Presbvtery.