“THE SINGING PADRE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 940, 5 April 1930, Page 6

“THE SINGING PADRE”

REV. ARTHUR MITCHELL TO RETIRE FINAL SERMONS TOMORROW After 40 years of service in church work, including nearly four years in the front line trenches along the French frontier, during which period he earned the title of “The Singing Padre,’ the Rev. Arthur Mitchell is to retire from active work. He will preach his final sermons as pastor of St. John's Methodist Church, Ponsonby, at tomorrow’s services. Converted in early life in a mission conducted by the Rev. Thomas Cook in Cornwall, Mr. Mitchell soon began to exercise his gifts as a preacher. After emigrating to Australia in ISSS, he entered the ministry of the Bible Christian Church in IS9O. On being transferred to New Zealand he was appointed to the Christchurch Circuit, and in 1896, on the consummation of Methodist union, was appointed to the Grafton Road Circuit. Since then he has received appointments to Coromandel, Balclutha, Invercargill, Kaiapoi, Lyttelton, Feilding and to the Auckland West Circuit, where he is stationed at present.

Mr. Mitchell was well known both as a minister and as a singer in Auckland about 35 years ago, when he was associated with the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury in Grafton Road Circuit. He maintained a very close .connection with the musical societies of those days, being the bass soloist for the Auckland Choral Society on several occasions, notably in the annual production of the “Messiah.” During his 40 years’ ministry Mr. Mitchell has used the gems of the great masters freely in his services, sometimes meeting with criticism, but more frequently receiving commendation in his efforts to reach the masses. A keen sense of humour enabled him to view life with a kindly air, and gave a touch to his song-lectures which never failed to keep his audience in a simmer of laughter. Mr. Mitchell served nearly four years with the New Zealanders during the Great War and found his musical powers of great advantage, being known all along the line as “The Singing Padre.” He was in action in several of the great battles, notably the Somme, Messines and Passchendale. It is as a result of hardships during these years of war that his retirement has become necessary. He holds the 1914-1915 Decoration, the two War Medals, and the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Medal for long and efficient service. Always prominent in musical matters, for several years Mr. Mitchell was Precentor of the Methodist Conference. “During his ministry he has paid marked attention to the care of church properties and has been particularly successful in raising large sums for the erection and renovation of church buildings and t' a liquidation of debts,” states an entry iii the minutes of the i recent conference. “As chairman of | a district, he displayed gifts of leader- | ship. He has been an excellent ! preacher, a born pastor, and a loyal friend, and he retires with the esteem and affection of all who know him.”