RETIREMENT OF THE REV. J. H. EDMONDSON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40042, 21 December 1929, Page 2

RETIREMENT OF THE REV. J. H. EDMONDSON.

The Rev. J. 11. Edmondson, who has been in charge of the Foxton Methodist circuit for the past two years, retires from the ministry at the end of this month and intends to take up farming pursuits, having purchased a property at Alarcretu, in the North Auckland province. Mr. Edmondson’s forbears u Afro fanners for generations in North Lancashire and he was brought up on the land prior to joining the Methodist ministry. As a young man Mr. Edmondson conducted an undenominational mission in his native town which he carried on with marked success. He was also actively associated with local government and educational affairs in the Old Country prior to a break-down in health. His medical .advisers recommended New Zealand as an ideal climate, for recupeTatiop and since his arrival in this Dominion some years ago, he hits enjoyed excellent health. After a short period of farming, the call to service in the church was insistent and he carried the gospel in outback localities. He pioneered Methodism in the King Country in Ihe Olmra district and was later sent to Te Awamutu and North Auckland. Where pioneering or Organising work waS . needed

the church' authorities called upon Mr. Edmondson who was always equal to the task. “I am not giving up church work altogether,” said Mr. Edmondson to our representative, “for I shall still cairn* on the Gospel message in the district I am going to." The friends of Air. Edmondson and family both within and beyond the .Methodist connection will wish them success in their new home.