NEW MODERATOR OF ASSEMBLY

Southland Times, Issue 25513, 6 November 1944, Page 4

NEW MODERATOR OF ASSEMBLY

colonel McKenzie APPOINTED (Special) HASTINGS, Nov. 4. Lieutenant-Colonel the Rev. J. W. McKenzie, M.M., E.D., S.C.F., of Epsom, and formerly of Invercargill, Senior Chaplain to the 2nd N.Z.E.F., was unanimously appointed Moderator Designate of the Presbyterian General Assembly at the session of the assembly today. His nomination was supported by 15 Presbyteries. Mr McKenzie will take office as Moderator at the next General Assembly at Invercargill. By this choice the assembly, it was stated, sought not only to recognize Lieutenant-Colonel McKenzie’s outstanding service as a minister and chaplain, but also to pay tribute to its whole staff of chaplains who have served, or are serving, in this war. Lieutenant-Colonel McKenzie, who has been minister of the Presbyterian church at Epsom for the last 12 years is a Southlander. Born at Woodend he received his early education at Colac Bay, but in early manhood he moved to Invercargill and, while engaged in business, prepared to enter the university as a student for the ministry. In 1915, while still a student in training he enlisted for service in the Great War and was posted to the Field Ambulance. For his work as a stretcherbearer in the Passchendaele battle he was awarded the Military Medal. As soon as this war broke out he offered his services to the Chaplain’s Committee of the Presbyterian Church and was sent to the Middle East as Senior Presbyterian Chaplain. When a vacancy occurred through the capture of Bishop G. V. Gerard, by the enemy, he was appointe'd Senior Chaplain to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. His outstanding service in that capacity has won the generous praise not only of the Chaplain’s Department, but also of Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg and his staff. Lieutenant - Colonel • McKenzie’s mother is Mrs M. Cowan, of Bowmont street.