MINISTER RETIRES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20074, 3 April 1935, Page 13

MINISTER RETIRES

MEETING OF TIMARU PRESBYTERY MINUTE OF APPRECIATION At yesterday's meeting of Timaru Presbytery, the resignation of the Rev. J. Tennent, of Morven, was received. Present—The Revs. W. J. Couling (Moderator), J. Mann, J. Fordyce, W. McNeur, C. A. Kennedy, E. Llewelyn Williams, A. J. H. Dow, J. B. Kirk, W. F. Nichol, A. Begg, J. S. Young, and Messrs W. Brown, A. Reid, W. Scarlet. ■ A. L. Bishop, W. H. Smith, J. Cleland, T. Hamilton, J. N. Reid, and L. J. Hodson. Mr Tennent wrote stating that having reached the retiring age he desired the Presbytery to permit him to demit the charge of Morven from April 28. Mr Tennent referred to the kindly spirit that had always been shown him by members of the Presbytery and said that he would carry away many happy memories • of the good fellowship that had always been evident at the Presbytery. He asked to be appointed a minister emeritus in the Church Courts. Messrs Scarlet and J, C. Hay, in presenting a minute of appreciation from the congregation of Morven, spoke of the great loss the charge would suffer as a result of Mr Tennent's retirement. They realised, however, that the step was necessary on account of Mrs Tennent’s health, and wished the minister and his wife every happiness in their retirement. Mr Tennent referred to the fine class of people he had been working amongst at Morven, and especially mentioned the valuable work of the office bearers. There was a spirit of unanimity and brotherly love throughout the charge, and if there had been any success during his ministry it had been due to the prayers and sympathy of the people of Morven. His congregation had been most sympathetic and most responsive to the message of the Gospel, and it was with the deepest regret that he had to ask the Presbytery to accept his resignation. Mr L. J. Hodson, the Rev, W. F. Nicol and the Moderator spoke of the esteem in which Mr Tennent was held by all, and on the motion of the Revs. C. A. Kennedy and A. Begg, who added further tributes, the resignation was accepted with regret. The following minute was carried unanimously: “In connection with the resignation of his charge at Morven owing to having reached the retiring age, the Presbytery would place on record its appreciation of the work the Rev. J. Tennent has done during his ministry there. The Presbytery commends him for his faithfulness in the discharge of his duties as pastor and preacher, expresses pleasure at the progress made in the congregation during his ministry and rejoices that a new church at Glenavy will stand as visible evidence of his work in the district. The Presbytery thanks j him for his co-operation in the work of the Presbytery and the share he has taken in connection with the j business of the Court. The prayer of | the Presbytery is that God’s richest | blessing may rest on him and that many years of useful service in the Master’s vineyard may yet be his; that throughout the years to come he may be ever conscious of the presence of Him who hath called us into the service of the Kingdom.” Mr Nichol was appointed interim moderator of the charge. General Mr Williams referred to the recent Presbytery jubilee celebrations and made special mention of the valuable historical contribution made by Mr Begg. Mr Nichol reported on the opening of the new church at Waimate, and said that it was expected that work would commence in a building that was free of debt. Mr Dow drew attention to the Easter Bible class camps, the young women’s to be held at Waimate, with Mrs R. Dodds, of Dunedin, as camp mother, and the young men’s at Orari Hall, with the Rev. J. Baird in charge. Mr Dow mentioned also the Sunday schools’ correspondence course which could now be taken up from Wellington by children in outlying parts.