RT. REV. J. DAVIE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 June 1942, Page 2

RT. REV. J. DAVIE

CALL TO GISBORNE ACCEPTED MEETING OF PRESBYTERY, KNOX CONGREGATION RESOLUTION. The Presbytery of the Wairarapa held a special meeting today to consider an unanimous call addressed to the Rt. Rev. John Davie, of Knox Church, Masterton, by the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Gisborne. The call was placed on the table by the Clerk, the Rev. David McNeur, and commissioners from Knox Church were heard—Mr T. F. Watson, Miss L. McGregor and Mr F. M. Reynolds. They conveyed to- the Presbytery the unanimous resolution of the congregation:— “That Knox congregation expresses its thankfulness for the long, faithful and successful ministry of the Rt. Rev. John Davie and its very sincere regret at the prospect of his possible departure. It congratulates Mr Davie on the very hearty call he has received to St. Andrew’s, Gisborne, and will place no obstacle in his way if he wishes to accept, but if he decides to remain, in Masterton it promises him its continued loyalty.”

After prayer the call was placed in Mr Davie’s hands and accepted. The provisional date for Mr Davie’s induction at Gisborne is in August. Mr Davie, who has accepted a call to St. Andrew’s Church, Gisborne, became Presbyterian minister of Knox Church, Master ton, in 1922. He has carried on his work in the parish with great vigour and has become a prominent citizen. In his youth his family were successful farmers in Washdyke, Timaru, and through his understanding knowledge of their life he has won for himself a high place in the affections and esteem of the farming community of the Wairarapa. He has always been an enthusiastic worker to keep the “open bar” out of Masterton, and was called far afield in the No-Licence cause. Mr Davie was first ordained in Dipton, Southland, in 1906. From there he was minister in Hokitika and later in Palmerston South. Last year he was appointed to the highest post in the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand as Moderator of the General Assembly and at present fills the office.