"PREACHING LEADER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 423, 3 August 1928, Page 16

"PREACHING LEADER”

DR. J. J. NORTH INVESTED WITH DEGREE TRIBUTES FROM CHURCHMEN Dr. J. J. North, principal of the Baptist Training College, was last evening invested with the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from the McMaster University, Toronto. The ceremony took place in the Baptist Tabernacle, the Rev. J. W. Kemp presiding. Speaking on behalf of the Baptist Union Mr. S. Barry said it was fitting that the union should express its pleasure at the honour which had been conferred on Dr. North. He had, as principal of the college, more responsibility than most men could carry, but he was fitted for the position, and had done great work, not only as a teacher, but also as preacher and journalist. “Dr. North has been a wonderful example,” said the Rev. E. N. Goring, who spoke on behalf of the Auckland auxiliary. “He has worked hard in the cause, and gripped the man in the street as few others can do.” The Rev. Joseph Kemp, in congratulating Dr. North, said he hoped he would have many years in which to carry the degree with the earnestness he had always shown. Dr. North was possessed of an honour that any man might envy, but if a vote had been taken to decide which Baptist minister should have the honour, Dr. North would have headed the list. After being formally invested with the robes of the degree, Dr. North said he had always endeavoured to be a preaching leader, remembering at the same time the claims of community and social service: