A NOTABLE MINISTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 45

A NOTABLE MINISTRY.

DR WADDTCLL'S THTRTY-NINTII ANNIVERSARY.

On Sunday, April 21, Dr Rutherford Waddell celebrated the 39th anniversary of his induction to the pastorate of St. Andrew's Church, Dunedin. During the <lay he was the recipient of many congratulatory messages and tributes of esteem and gratitude from members of his congregation and others. In ihe morning he addressed the children, putting before them their responsibility to go on to fill in time to come the places of those who are now leaders in the church. The Rev. A. O. Randerson preached on tho character of Barnabas as outlined in the words: "He was a good man, full of tho Holy Ghost and of faith; and much people was added unto the church." The preacher drew a striking!}- effective parallel between the ministry of Barnabas and the ministry of Dr Waddell. and strongly urged upon tho congregation tlie responsibilities of those who were privileged to enjoy such a pastorate.

At the close of Sunday school in tho afternoon all tho children gathered in the Waddell Hall to do their minister honour. Tho youngest pupil in the school presented him with a beautiful basket of rosesi and tho children sang and waved their greeting. At tea Dr Waddell was entertained by the Young Men's and Young Women's Bible Classes," who took opportunity of conveying to him their deep gratitude and affection.

Dr Waddell preached to a very large congregation in the evening from the words of tho prophet Jeremiah: "Flee ye; turn back; dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedon." Ho showed the historical parallel between the menacing and overwhelming power of Assyria and the menace of Germany toand traced the disastrous results, as seen at the present time, of tho national sin of shallowness. The one place of safety and refuge for us and for the world was the tlock of Ages. The choir, under Mr G. W. Johnstone, gave a beautiful rendering of the Aaronic blessing. After the evening service some 250 persons took part in an informal gathering in the Waddell Hall, where, after a few brief speeches, opportunity was given for those present personally to greet Dr Waddell and convey to him their own messages of goodwill. Mr Walter Gow, as tho senior elder, said that Dr Waddell had ehown himself that day the same fresh, vigorous man they knew 39 years ago. Indeed, 39 years ago he could not have given them such splendid material as he had that night. Among those present there was a largo representation from the Kensington congregation, and also from, the Mission Hall, who all felt the same degree of appreciation and affection. Dr Waddell, he said, had become a power for good not alone _ in his own congregation, nor even in this city, but in the whole of the dominion. Mr J. Hogg briefly expressed the indebtedness of the young people's organisations of the church to Dr Waddell, and referred to his powerful influence on students. Mr A. G. Johnson conveyed to Dr Waddell a letter from the Sunday school teachers at Kensington expressing their gratitude for tho privilege of having him as their pastor, and their hearty congratulations on the attainment of his thirty-ninth anniversary.