ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, HAMILTON.

Waikato Argus, Volume X, Issue 913, 27 March 1901, Page 2

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, HAMILTON.

RESIGNATION OF THE REV T . J M. MITCHELL. A congregational meeting was held lust night in Bt. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Hamilton in accordance with instructions from the Presbytery, to d.al with the resignation of their minister, the Rev. J. M. Mitchell. On 'he motion of Mr l)ey, seconded by Dr. Douglas, Mr Gardiner took the chair. Mr Gardiner tlieu stated the ohj> ct ot the meeting and asked if any member had anv proposals to make. Dr. Douglas said that this was a painful occasion for all concerned. During the past few weeks things had been said and done Uat could not be undone. Of this he was convinced, that those who had written the letter lo Mr Mitchell, which had proved " the apple of discord," had not intended matters to go so far. An attempt had been made at reconciliation, and to a certain extent it had been aucccHpfu!. Those who had wiit.ten tlni letter hid now withdrawn it in toto, and expressed a wish that no more should come of it, and Mr Mitchell hid generously admitted that iie believed the letter to have been written in nil good faith, and that the writers had the welfare of the church at heart. Still, they felr. and Mr Mitchell felt, especially horn the continued absence from church of some of those who hid made the charges against hiir, that the trouble had not been buried, and that if he remained in Hamilton it would be uncomfortable for all concerned and an uphill task for himself for ninny a day. and with that feeling he had tendered his resignation and sincerely hoped that it would be accepted. Personally, Dr. Douglas stilted, it was lor him an exceedingly painful duty to propose that Mr Mitchell's resignation he accepted. lie believed that they were losing a grand man who hail faithfully discharged his duties to the best of his iib lity, and had been a true frii-nd to every member of the church, hut he leit that in proposing that the resignation be accepted he was rtoinu a kindness to Mr Mitchell, lie therefore move 1 that the following letter be lorwarded to the. Presbytery through their representative rl-ier: —To the Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Mew Zealand in Auckland :—" It is with great regret that we, the members and adherents of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, have heard of the resignation of our Minister, the Rev. J. M. .Mitchell. Wc recognise the valuable and earnest work he has done for his Master in and around Hamilton, and e«n testify to the rich s-pirituai blessings we have received at his hands. Coder his ninistiation the congregation has been largely increased and made self-support-ing, and the debt upon our church has been greatly reduced. While deeply regretting that Mr Mitchell has decided to resign his charge and return to Scotland, and while lamenting our loss, we have decided not to oppose his resignation, but cordially wish him Cod-speed in whatever duties may lie before him.'' To be signed on behalf of the congregation ot St. Andrew's.—James Gardiner, Chairman."

Mr D-y, in seconding the motion, said that, there was no question that in losing Mr Mitchell they were, lowing a splendid minister and n pood man and that it would be very difficult to till his plane, but as Mr Mitchell had hoped that Ids resignation would he accepted, he would not make any opposition. No amendment being proposed, the amendment was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. It wag then mentioned that many people both inside and outside the congregation had expressed a desire to matte a presentation to Mr Mitchell on tin; eve of his departure, and the following c >mmittee was appointed to collect subscriptions and arrange for a farewell social:—Dr. Douglas, Messrs Gardiner, Dcy, Henry, Hay, Ingram, J. Hammond and Curric, with power to add to their number.