ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 43, 20 February 1905, Page 5

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

■ —■ ■» RETIREMENT OF THE REV. MR. ROBERTSON. The final step was taken yesterday in regard to the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Robertson from St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby, by the reading of the edict from the Presbytery by the Rev. Mr. Worboys, which declared the charge vacant. During the previous week a meeting of the managers' court waß held for the purpose of giving effect to the wishes of the congregation that a parting gift should be given in its name as a mark of the esteem in which the Rev. and Mrs. Robertson were held. Mr, Peacock, on behalf of the congregaton and the managers' court, expressed the regret and sympathy they all felt on account of Mr. Robertson's ill-health, and their hopes that the rest which he was about to take would restore him to robust health, and enable him to do good work in the Master's vineyard. He had great pleasure in being able to hand Mr. Robertson a cheque for £ 140 subscribed by the congregation with the best wishes for his future health and prosperity. Messrs. Kirker, Rees, Johnston, and Haydon spoke in warm appreciation of the good work done by Mr. Robertson during the 1G years of his pastorate, and also of the "many good services of Mrs. Robertson in connection with the church. The Rev. Mr. Monro, the interim preacher, also commented on the loss to the Presbytery Mr. Robertson's resignation caused, and hoped he would be early restored to health. The Rev. Mr. Robertson, in a feeling reply, expressed his great appreciation of the kind treatment which he had received at the hands of St. Stephen's congregation, not only in the retiring allowance made, but in the handsome gift presented to him. He was hopeful that the rest and change he was about to take would enable him to master his complaint, and that he would be able in the near future to undertake further church work. He was not one to remain idle when he could help it, and he hoped to be able to lighten the burden on St. Stephen's Church. He further expressed the hope that, consider- j ing the large and growing district of Ponsonby, the charge would be filled by a capable and energetic man, whom it well deserved. The Rev. T. F. and Mrs. Robertson leave for Dunedin by the Mokoia tomorrow afternoon.