REV. JAMES BURNS, M.A.

Evening Star, Issue 20134, 26 March 1929, Page 14

REV. JAMES BURNS, M.A.

KNOX CHURCH APPOINTMENT The Rev. Jas. Burns, who is expected in Dunedin to take up duties in Knox Church during the next nine months, is not only a cultured preacher of outstanding ability, hut also a noted lecturer in art, and the author of several books. * The Christ face in Art ’ has become a classic. His booklets, ‘ Sir Galahad,’ ‘ The Happy Warrior,’ and ‘ The Graves of the Fallen ’ have given consolation to many who have suffered during the dark days of Avar. As to his recent publications, Mr Burns rvill be Avell known to ministers of all denominations by his ‘ Illustrations for Preachers from Literature and Poetry,’ and his 1 Pulpit Manual,’ Avith its beautiful prayers so highly regarded by Dr Alexander Whyte that he presented a copy to each of his students when they left New College, Edinburgh.

Mr Burns was “ caught-young ” and taken to England, where he graduated at .Durham University. Ho received his theological training at the English Presbyterian' College, then housed in London, in 1895, before his college course was completed, he accepted a call from the Presbyterian Church at Cheltenham, the congregation waiting six months for their young minister. Six years later Mr Burns went to a pastorate at Liverpool, and there his ministry was so successful that in 1908 he was invited to take charge at Stoke Newington. During the war he served in France and with the Army of Occupation as War Office and Y.M.C.A. lecturer on art subjects. Meanwhile his two sons were in the Royal Air Force. Returning to his pastorate at Stoke Newington, Mr Burns began to find the work a strain on his health, so in 1921 he retired, much against the wish of the congregation. Engaged in occasional preaching, literary work, and travel, Mr Burns regained health, and ho was induced to ally himself with what was known as the Welwyn experiment, the Nonconformists of the New Welwyn Garden City in Ports haying decided to adopt the Presbyterian form of church government for their united 'church. Mr Burns remained in charge there for the year that he promised to give, and the remarkable success of the experiment is recognised to be due mainly to his pulpit gifts and jvise leadership*