PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS RESIGN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12718, 13 August 1919, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS RESIGN.

WOOLSTON AND METHVEN CHARGES.

The Christchurch Presbytery to-day received the resignations of two ministers—the Rev T. M’Donald, of St Peter’s, Woolston, and the Rev G. Johnston, of Methven. Mr M’Donald tendered his resignation on account of ill-health. He stated that he regretted that he had to take such a step. He had been over thirty years ’in the Ministry and about fourteen years and a half at St Peter’s Church. The church was heavily in debt when he assumed the pastorate, bub the congregation had supported him well, and the debt had not only been cleared, but a sum of £SOO was now in the bank waiting to be applied to the construction of a Sunday school. Mr M’Donald i asked that he be permitted to retain a seat on the Presbytery, and bo appointed a minister emeritus.

I>r Erwin moved that the resignation be accepted with very deep regret. He spoke feelingly and sympathetically on the subject, pointing to much of Mr M’Donald’s good work, and adding to the resolution that it be a recommendation to the Presbytery to appoint Mr M’Donald minister emeritus.

The motion was seconded by the Her R. M. Ryeburn, who also spoke sympathetically, regretting Mr M’Donald’s state of health and his decision to rer sign. Wherever Mr M’Donald had worked the good effects of hia efforts w ere amply in evidence. The Rev J. Paterson was appointed Moderator of the charge pro tem. The Rev G. Johnston announced his intention to resign his ministry at Malvern. He had reached the age limit, and though not immediately threatened by ill-health he felt he W'ould like to rest from his duties. He urged the appointment of a young, active minister for the extensive district.

Mr Deans (Glentunnel) reported that the resignation had. been announced to the community there, and stated that it had been decided to accept it with regret. Ho eulogised th© services of Mr Johnston, as minister, stating that during his ministering of the Malvern charge the church debt had been cleared.

The Rev "W. H. Howes proposed that the resignation be accepted with deep regret. He referred in eulogistic terms to the very fine work accomplished iy the reverend gentleman during his ministry.

The motion was seconded by Hr Erwin, who supported the mover’s remarks, and carried. The Rev J. A. Brown-was appointed Moderator of the charge pro tern.