THE REV J. J. DOKE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7201, 12 September 1901, Page 2

THE REV J. J. DOKE.

» TO LEAVE CHRISTCHURCH. "I came straight oufc from the OM Country to Christchurch, and have remained here for almost seven yearn, during which time my pastorate has-been, a very pleasant one," said the Rev J. J. Doke to a "Star" reporter this morning. Mr Doke has resigned tbe ptotoiate of the Oxford Terraoe Baptist Clwir-b, and at a meeting of members of the C_»B_-h la_eVening a mo_o?_ was p_s_ed earjttessing great regret that the resignation had been sent in, and recording hagh i^jweciation of Mr Doke*« faithful and daHgenifc' services. Mr Doke come .rom Bristol, where he was ia charge of the City Rood O___pe_,.one of the largest Baptist Churches tn the place, having over 500 members. Mr Doke'* son was in bad health at Home, and a vitifc to the colonies was made. As the result of a residence here lor a number -of yeare, the young fellow's health has greatly improved. This will permit of Mr Doke returning to Bristol. He, however- has not made up his mind to do this, and, in ■fact, is undecided as to has future actions. He likes the colonial climate aid colomal life, but ite sees in colonials a desire for change. In church life, here, he says, there is not so much stability as atHome. "I have a strong conviction, especially in regard to the colonies, that it is beneficial to a church not to have too lengthy a gastorate. I 'think that seven years would * a good average." During his residence in this colony, Mr Doke has been much struck with the general prosperity aano_g the people. Ifc will probably be a few months before he finally takes bis departure from Christchurch.