THE REV. ANDREW GARDINER.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 477, 4 June 1890, Page 6

THE REV. ANDREW GARDINER.

A PAINFUL EXPOSURE.

The moral sense of the community (says the Sydney “ Telegraph ”) will be greatly shocked at the news that the Rev. Andrew Gardiner, M.A., minister of the Glebe Presbyterian Church, suddenly loft the colony a few days ago to avoid the consequences of serious misconduct. It has been knovyn, we. believe, for some time that the rev. gentleman has been paying more attention to a lady member of his congi-egation than was wise for a married man and a clergyman ; and those of his friends who were aware of this fact were greatly surprised that he should persist in his conduct. It appears, however, that about a fortnight ago he was served with a writ for an action for divorce instituted by his wife, and pressure being brought to bear upon him he resolved to leave Sydney for other lands. His departure was, of course, very quiet, his name not even appearing in the usual passenger list pf til© steamer which topic him away. Mr Gardiner was, perhaps, the iqost popular minister pf his Church in thjs colony, lie had a crowded congregation, and was considered a gopd preacher and an excellent pastor- His private generosity was exceptional, and his attention to the sick and poor of the Glebe and surrounding suburbs rpade hina welcome in hundreds of homes. In 1888 he was the Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly, and was considered on every side as one of the best men in every sense of the word that the Church had. He came direct from Scotland to Sydney about eighteen ypars ago, and soon afterwards received a call to the church which, under his pastoral care, has become ODe of the most flourishing in the city. Soon after his arrival here he married the daughter of a well-known wealthy man, and he has always been credited with being a minister of pmple means. A meeting of the officers of the Glebe Church has been called to consider this pajnful matter. We understand that it is nob at all probable that Mr Gardiner’s re: signation will be received in a few days.