A MINISTER CENSURED.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2168, 26 February 1891, Page 3

A MINISTER CENSURED.

Auckland, Feb. 24.

Ihere was a stormy secne at the ordinary church meeting of the Baptist Tabernacle congregation last evening, at • batismal service. Just previously two ladies who usually assisted at this p»tt of the church work, Mesdarues Gaze and Butep, were told by Pastor Birch that they need not busy themselves there any longer, as there was a lady would ttke their places. The two ladies objected, and it is reported that the Pastor at last told them if they did not go he would send for a policeman ami haye them removed. The matter was brought up at the Church meeting, when the husband ofona of the ladies asked Mr Birch to apologise, Pastor Birch refused to make any an apology. After a heated discussion, it was resolyed—- " Pastor Birch having refused to apologise, this Church pass a severe vote of censure on him for his ungentlemanlv and unchristianlike conduct towards Mesdames Gaze and Bates." L'his evening, the following motion of which uoticebad been given, was carried : —"That seeing tha approaching termination of Mr Birch's term of engagement as pastor, this church take steps to provide for another pastor, and that Pastor Birch be at once notified that his engagement wfth the church will terminate on Nov. 9," Pastor Birch leaves for Australia by the Tarawera oa Thursday for a holiday.