REV. G. K. AITKEN’S RETIREMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3702, 11 October 1927, Page 3

REV. G. K. AITKEN’S RETIREMENT.

AFTER A MINISTRY OF 43 YEARS. At Kaiapoi on September 30th, the Rev. G. K. Aitken, Presbyterian minister, retired from the ministry after a period of service extending over 43 years, and was tendered a farewell by his congregation and was the recipient of a well-filled wallet. Among those present and who spoke at the gathering were representatives of other churches, the Mayor and members of congregations from other parts where Mr. Aitken had ministered. Special tributes were also paid to Mrs. Aitken.

Replying to the speeches Mr. Aitken said he could not adequately express himself in reply to everything that had been said. “I feel reminiscent,” continued Mr. Aitken. “On Ist March 1884,1 began my work as a minister of the gospel in Queensland, in a new district in the north. The population consisted of 10 or 11 blacks to one white. Coming from Glasgow, it was a hit of a change. My wife was just as sympathetic then as she is now, and the feeling she expressed was, ‘Whatever made you bring me to this place.’ I think she cried for about six months. I don’t wonder at it. I think I should have cried too, if I had had the time. (Laughter). I used to go into a camp of 300 blacks just outside the town. I had the honour of being the besttrusted white man that ever went to the blacks’ camp. Not another white man had the privilege of going and coming unhindered. I went in an odut and doctored them, and even spoke some of their language.” Mr. Aitken said he confessed that he had not given much study to modernism. He was a fundamentalist. But he had never failed to hold up the Cross of Christ. From the bottom of his ..heart he wished to thank them for what they had said about Mrs. Aitken. He was sure that any success he had had was because of the kind help and prayerfulness that had attended all his duties. Throughout life she had been not only a helpmeet, but an inspiration.

Mr. Aitken commenced his ministry in New Zealand, in Foxton, about 20 years ago and was set the task of establishing a charge over a district which included Carnarvon, Glen Oroua, Tiakitahuna, Raugiotu and Foxton. His means of locomotion was a horse and gig. In all weathers he traversed this wide area and got into touch with all Presbyterian ; families throughout the parish, established regular services and organised committees in each district with an executive for the whole charge. Ilis labours were finally rewarded by raising the parish to a fully sustained charge. His self-sacrificing efforts made inroads or his health, but when he left Foxton it was with the knowledge that the foundation of the Presbyterian Church had been well laid in this district and “his duty well done.” Mr. and Mrs. -Aitken made many friends throughout this district outside the Presbyterian communion who will wish them happiness in their retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Aitken will take up their residence in New Brighton, Christchurch.