A VETERAN MINISTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1719, 31 May 1917, Page 3

A VETERAN MINISTER.

REV. J. PATERSON FETED, On the occasion of bis diamond jubilee, and to celebrate his 88th birthday, the Wellington Presbytery entertained the Rev. . James Paterson at luncheon on Monday. There were between forty and fifty guests present, including the wives of several members of the Presbytery. After luncheon, the Rev. Air Begg, Aloderator of the Presbytery, called upon the Rev. J. K. Elliott, as the oldest member, to address the gathering. Dr. Elliott spoke humorously and reminiscently of Air Paterson’s long service, and paid a tribute to the earnest and conscientious way lie bad laboured. The Rev. R. Mood asked the Aloderator to present to Air Paterson the following address from the Presbytery:— “The Reverend James Paterson, “Dear Sir. —Wo, members of Wellington Presbytery, convey to •you our wannest congratulations on your having reached the diamond jubilee of your ordination to the ministry. We recall with thankfulness to God your tong and able ministry in St. John’s, Wellington, from 1808 to 1.003, and (lie-great service you rendered the Church at largo as convener of the Church Extension Committee: we recall the prominent part you took in furthering education as a member of the Education Board, of College Governors, and of University Senate; we recall also the helpful services you have rendered to ministers and congregations since your retirement from the active work of the ministry, and we desire to express to you the high esteem with which wo regard you, and we pray that days of happiness and of usefulness may be granted to you to the glory of God and the comfort of the Church.” Mr Paterson thanked the brethren' for the address ami for the gathering. He gave a number of reminiscences, in the course of which he said that lie was licensed in 1854, the year of (he Crimean War; that he was ordained in 1857 in Liverpool, and a Her labouring (hero for eleven year.-, obeyed the call to come to New Zealand. He spoke of I lie goodness of God to him during Ins past, and lie believed that it would sustain him to I lie end of Ids life. lie said that that day he had reached Ids eighty-eighth birthday, and he fell well. Warm applause followed Air Paterson’s address, after wldi-h the meeting dosed.