FIRST CHURCH PASTORATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18763, 17 January 1923, Page 2

FIRST CHURCH PASTORATE

REV. G. H. BALFOUR'S RESIGNATION. As liis medical advisers have insisted on his having a prolonged rest this year, the J{cv. G. H. Rulfour intimated to the session clerk of his church a. week or 10 clays ago his intention of handing in his resignation as minister of First Church to the Presbytery of Dunedin. It is with great regret that he has taken this step. As one of the elders said at the congregational meeting held a short lime ago, the congregation nas never been more loyal and united. But, as lie has been advised that Ids future usefulness might depend on his having rest and change now after his 12 strenuous .years in First Church, he felt that no other course was open. Mr Balfour intends to make a statement to the congregation on Sunday evening. A special meeting of the office-bearers was held on Monday evening last, when the following resolution was unanimously adopted:— “The office-bearers learn with deep regret that Mr Balfour finds it necessary to tender his resignation of the pastorate of First Church to the Presbytery of Dunedin. As Mr Balfour’s medical advisers have insisted on Ids taking a prolonged rest from the duties of the ministry, the office-bearers recognise that it would be futile for them to propose that lie should seek leave of absence for any limited period. The uncertain state of Mr Balfour’s health and the difficulty in for the effective carrying on of the pulpit and pastoral work make them realise that in his interests and in the interests of the congregation they have no alternative but to acquiesce in the stop that Mr Balfour proposes to take. The office-bearers express their sincere sympathy with Mr Balfour in his long-continued illness, and also express their personal sorrow at the prospect of parting with him. They beg to assure him of their very hearty appreciation of the many and great services that ho has rendered to the congregation, and to the community as the minister of First Church for the last 12 years, and of their earnest hope and prayer that temporary release from the labours and anxieties of the pastorate may, under the Divine blessing, be followed by his complete restoration to former strength and vigour.”