THE REV. A. M. DALRYMPLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7328, 11 August 1885, Page 4

THE REV. A. M. DALRYMPLE.

The following report of the Birmingham Presbytery, in connection with the Presbyterian Church of England, may interest some of our readers who are looking forward to the arrival of Rev. A. M. Dalrymple, M.A., who is on board the Kaikoura, now on her way to New Zealand. It is expected, we understand, that Mr. Dalrymple, who was a candidate for First Church when tlie late Mr Gaultier was appointed, will supply First Church for a time after his arrival.

The Presbytery of Birmingham met on Tuesday, June 2nd, and after the transaction of some business

The Rev. A. M. Dalrymple, M.A., tendered his resignation of his charge at Smethwiek and of the clerkship, in order that he might proceed to New Zealand with his family to undertake ministerial work in that Colony. Mr Craig appeared for the Smethwick Session, and Mr Helliker for the congregation. They stated that there was only one feeling of regret in view of the severance of a pastoral tie which had existed so long, and bore testimony to the respect and aifection with which Mr Dalrymple was regarded, and to his ministerial usefulness.

The following resolution was then proposed by the Rev. R. Cowan (Nottingham):—" The Presbytery receive with much regret the intimation by the Rev. A. M. Dalrymple, M.A., of his intention to seek another field of labour in New Zealand, and, in accordance with his desire, they hereby separate him from his pnstoral charge at Smethwick. In doing so the Presbytery unanimously record their high sense of the earnestness and zeal that have marked a pastorate extending over 17 years, and one in which many difficulties and discouragements had to be met and overcome. They remember with thankfulness the varied labours of their brother during the period named—his efforts, by pen and otherwise, in the cause of systematic beneficence, his services as an educationist (recognised by his colleagues at the school board in electing him to be their chairman), his work in the promotion of temperance, and his interest in the religious training of the young—all of which, added to his regular pulpit and pastoral service, have been characteristics of a ministry both faithful and efficient and now combine to intensify the feelings of regret with which the resignation is received The Presbytery further record tlieirhigh appreciation of the manner in which Mr Dalrymple has for nine years discharged the responsible duties of clerk of this court, a position for which by the just and gentle qualities of his nature he was particularly fitted, and in which he has invariably shown an ability and a courtesy that left nothing to be desired."

The resolution further commended Mr Dalrymple to the fellowship of the brethren in the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, and ex pressed the best wishes of the Presbytery for his future usefulness and comfort.

In seconding Mr M'Cowan's motion, Mr M'Kerrow expressed his deep regret in parting with a brother with whom he had been associated with for 17 years in the closest iutimacy and friendship. They had worked together as near neighbours with the utmost cordiality, and he had every reason for holding Mr Dalrymple m the highest esteem. While seeing in some respects the wisdom of the step his friend was about to take, he felt that the Presbytery would miss him very much in the conduct of its business, for they could not have had a better clerk. Dr Simpson and others having joined in the expressions of esteem and regret, the moderator gracefully conveyed to Mr Dalrymple the unanimous agreement of the Presbytery with the motion. Mr Dalrymnle heartily thanked the brethren for what he considered was a too flattering estimate of his services. Their kind words woul<L materially help him in his new and distant sphere. Oil the motion of Mr Graham, the Presbytery resolved that the resolution should be engrossed and illuminated for presentation to Mr Dalrymple. ■ .