Dr. Gates' Resignation.
On Sunday, the 11th of February, 1906, to the infinite regret of the Church, the pastor’s resignation was read, in which he said: “In reaching this decision I trust I have been guided by the Spirit of God. Never will there come a day—be my earthly stay longer or shorter—when this dear old Church will be out of my mind. The Lord bless you all—your homes, your loved ones, these Church interests, and prosper you much more in the days to come even than in the past.” At a special meeting called to consider the pastor’s resignation, Deacon Simms referred to Dr. Gates' long pastorate, the Church’s appreciation of him as pastor and preacher, and the regret felt at the termination of the cordial relations which have existed between us. As Dr. Gates’ letter left but one of course open to the Church, it was therefore moved—that the resignation be accepted, and a committee be appointed to draw up a suitable resolution.
On Sunday, April 1st, Dr. Gates preached his farewell sermon, the Church being filled to the doors. He took for his text Isaiah 60: 1—“Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God.” At the close of the sermon Dr. G. U. Hay read a farewell address to the pastor, from which we quote: “Beloved pastor—twenty years ago last January you came to St. John to be our pastor, and during the intervening years with the exception of twenty-two months spent at Windsor, N. S., you have lovingly and faithfully ministered to this church and congregation. It is no easy task to break asunder ties that have been binding us together during these happy years—years of large-hearted and unselfish ministry on your part, and something, let us hope, of grateful appreciation on ours. The steady increase in our Church and congregation, the activity in all departments of work, and the flourishing condition of our Church in late years are due to your inspiring personality and earnest diligence, and in a marked degree to your power of organization which has been a constant influence in every department of Church work. Be assured that you name will remain as a household word with us. May our Father in Heaven guide and direct you as he has done in the past and may you be a blessing to the Church to which you go, such as you have been to us, is our earnest wish and prayer.” In reply Dr. Gates thanked the Church on behalf of himself and Mrs. Gates for the many kindly services rendered them. “I thought,” he said, “when I came back from Windsor that I would be here for the rest of my life, but the fog of the last two summers got the better of me and I had to do one of two things, either give up the fog or preaching. I did not want to give up preaching, so I was compelled to try a dryer climate.”
At the close of the Friday evening prayer meeting a certified cheque to the retiring pastor, and to Mrs. Gates a diamond brooch, were presented as slight reminders of the affection of the people among whom they had labored so long.
Rev. G. O. Gates was born in Annapolis Valley, N. S. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school. After a course at Horton Academy he entered Acadia College, where he took his B.A. in 1873, graduating at the head of his class. A few years later he took the M. A. Degree in course. During his college course, he did missionary work in Colchester County, also spending one summer in Amherst as assistant to Dr. Steel. In his senior year he supplied the church at Gaspereaux. In the autumn of 1873 he was called to the pastorate of the church at Liverpool, remaining there until June, 1880; when he went to the First Church at Moncton where he remained until the autumn of 1885. In January, 1886, he came to this Church, remaining for fifteen years; when he went to Windsor, being there nearly two years. Returning to this Church, he was with us nearly three years longer, when he went to Westmount, P. Q., in 1906, having been there since that time. During his pastorate in this Church he spent six months travelling in Palestine and Egypt, and visiting the principal cities of Europe. While in St. John, Acadia University honored him by conferring the Degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Dr. Gates has had a large measure of success in the ministry. During one year at Moncton, one hundred and forty were added to the church, and while here, there was a steady increase of members, including a large number from the Sunday School. He has always taken a deep interest in Sunday School and Missionary work, working in connection with the Provincial Sunday School Association, and was for twenty-five years an active member of the Foreign Mission Board.
At the present time he is President of the Grande Ligne Mission and is also President of the Sunday School Association of the Province of Quebec. In all his pastorates Dr. Gates has proved himself an earnest and faithful worker, not only in his own Church and denomination, but in every department of work having for its object the advancement of the cause of Christ at home and abroad. We have been pleased to have him with us taking part in the Centennial exercises of this Church, which he loves so well.
REV. W. W. MCMASTER'S PASTORATE
On May 4th, 1906, a call was extended to Rev. W. W. McMaster. He accepted and entered upon his duties on Sunday, August 5th.