AN OUTSTANDING FIGURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 23

AN OUTSTANDING FIGURE

TRIBUTES TO REV. DR GIBB PRINCIPAL DICKIE’S EULOGY (I’kr United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 25. Recognition of tbe services of the Rev. James Gibb, D.D., who for many years was a prominent figure in the Presby- 1 teriau Church of New Zealand, was shown this afternoon when hundreds gathered at St. John’s, Presbyterian Church, the scene of much of his pastoral work, to honour his memory. The congregation of the church was very fully represented, and representatives were present from other churches, the Presbyterian colleges and orphanages, the New Zealand branch of the League of Nations Union, and other sections of the community. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. R. Blanchard, the present minister of St. John’s, assisted by other ministers, ' The address was delivered by the Rev. Principal Dickie, moderator, of ’the General- Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The pulpit was draped and the casket was piled high with beautiful wreaths. Principal Dickie said they desired to pay a last tribute to the most outstanding figure that the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand had ever known, one of the most outstanding figures that any church in New Zealand had known. Dr Gibb had always had courage, eloquence, and burning spiritual force. He had felt the needs of the day and had worked with ardent zeal for progress. He was the leader of the movement that gave one strong and united church for New Zealand. He had also done a great deal of work to improve conditions in the home mission service. He was a dominant factor in the General Assembly, always influencing it. His labours for international peace and goodwill had not been lost. Dr Gibb had other and more general activities. He was warm-hearted, gentle in thought, clear in mind, strong in body, and always ready to help any good cause. The interment took place at the Karorl Cemetery.