MINISTER RESIGNS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 6

MINISTER RESIGNS

REV. S. J. ATKINS’ HEALTH The Waikato Presbytery today dealt with the resignation of the Rev. S. J. Atkins from the pastorate of First Church, Frankton, which was submitted to the last meeting. Mr Atkins intimated that he took the step with great regret, but failing health over several months and impaired eyesight left him no other course in the interests both of the Church and himself. The Rev. C. L. French submitted the report of the commission which had interviewed the officebearers of First Church. This stated that the congregation acquiesced in the resignation, recognising the disability under which Mr Atkins laboured. Tributes were paid to his wo v k as pastor throughout his ministry, and Mr Choat, the representative elder, expressed the regret felt by the congregation at the severance of the tie and the hope that Mr Atkins would soon be restored to health, and able to serve the Church again in some other sphere. Presbytery accepted the resignation, which is to take effect as from September 10, and expressed sympathy with Mr Atkins. The Rev. C. L. French, of Waikato East, was appointed interim Moderator during the vacancy.