ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1922, Page 5

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH.

VISIT OF THE MODERATOR. OVER FIFTY YEARS’ WORK. There were large congregations at both morning and evening services at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, New Plymouth, yesterday, when the preacher was the Rt. Rev. D. Dutton, Moderator of the General Assembly, who is at present on a visit to New Plymouth. Tonight the Rev. Dutton will be tendered a welcome social by St Andrew’s congregation. The highest position in the gift of the Presbyterian Church is that of Moderator of its General Assembly, and that position at present is held by one who is a veteran in more senses than one, for the Rev. D. Dutton was ordained to the Christian ministry over fifty years ago. He first visited New Plymouth early in the seventies of the last century, and, returning to this town, is much impressed at its development and improved appearance. Mr. Dutton is the oldest fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in New Zealand, and still takes a keen intrest in scientific matters. He rode in the high veldt as chaplain in South Africa with the New Zealand forces during the Boer War, and was again to the fore in the same capacityin the great world conflict of 1914-18, serving first as senior chaplain at Trentharn and senior Presbyterian chaplain on the hospital ship Maheno at Gallipoli. Hale and hearty, be carries his years with great vigour, and though he has now laid down his charge in the pastorate his preaching has lost none oi its force and fire.