A RETIRING MINISTER.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17112, 6 April 1921, Page 8

A RETIRING MINISTER.

REV. D. D. KODGER FAEEWELLED.

St. Paul's Schoolroom, Papanui, was crowded last night by members of the congregation of the church, the occaA sion being to farewell'the Rev. and Mrs D. D. Rodger. The Rev. Mr Rodger is retiring after aver 30 years' service in the Presbyterian Church, and with Mrs Rodger intends to leave in July to spend the rest of his days in the Auckland province. The Rev. Dr. Erwin, who presided, said that Mr Rodger was an intimate contemporary of his, both having been ordained by the old Northern Church in the same year. Splendid work had been done in three pastorates by Mr Rodger, who had been assisted by a wife whose superior cpuld not be found—in the district. There were many men who, through the example, of Mi-Rodger, were themselves in the ministry to-day. The rev. gentleman had taken an active interest in mission work, and that of the Social Service Association. ; He had also taken his share in the North Canterbury Presbytery and. the nolicense movement. ,Mr Fawcett, on behalf of the congregation, said that Mr and Mrs Rodger had earned the rest they would now enjoy. They were leaving behind them a record of which any minister and his wife might well feel proud. They would be missed. Their work had been well done, and the 'Church would continue to prosper. On behalf of the congregation and outside" friends, he then presented Mr and Mrs Rodger with a wallet of notes, together with the best wishes of all the subscribers.

Tributes to the sterlirig qualities and work of the recipients were also made by" Messrs A. D. Hassall, Anderson (Waikari), and Pate. In replying, Mr Rodger stated that his service in the Church included ten years at Cust, a similar period at Waikari, and twelve years atrapanui. It was a delight to meet the people of ■ Papanni. and to think of the success that had been achieved in the district by the Church. He hoped that a memorial hall and library would soon be erected. In returning thanks for the 'gift made to Mrs Pvodger and> himself, he assured those present that the ga£b% ering would'never be forgotten by him. . He.asked that the members of the congregation should give .their support to his successor when'he took over the ministrv of the parish, y ' ■' , Mr Shaw, on behalf of'the congrega- . tion, presented -Mr Rodger with a case containing a brush and mirtor.

A. number of musical items were contributed, and supper was dispensed prior ,tb the function concluding.