Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/56

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HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH.

vices as superintendent of the Sabbath School, and to assist in his turn in carrying on the Sabbath services at Ravensbourne, and on this understanding his resignation as congregational missionary was accepted. He continued in charge of the Sabbath School until the beginning of 1880, when the pressure of other engagements necessitated his resignation. The following resolution was passed by the Session on the occasion:—"In receiving the resignation of Mr Wright as superintendent of the church Sabbath School, which he has held for over five years, the Session records its high opinion of his valuable services to that institution, and its conviction that the Gospel has in many ways been commended to the young of the congregation by his unflagging zeal and practical wisdom." It is due to Mr Wright to state also that during his engagement as congregational missionary his work was manifold, and was heartily and efficiently performed.

It was with much satisfaction that the friends of the school saw the office vacated by Mr Wright filled by Dr William Macdonald and Mr W. B. Harlow, who had agreed to act as joint superintendents. After a short period of most invaluable service Dr Macdonald was compelled by the state of his health to withdraw from the work for a time. He returned to his post in April 1883, but at the end of the year the same cause necessitated his relinquishing a position for which his rare abilities so pre-eminently fitted him. For three years Mr Harlow gave much of his time and attention to the work of superintendent, and on his retirement in 1888 the Session recorded its thanks to him for his valuable services to the school for eleven years as a teacher, and for three years as superintendent. The teachers at the same time recognised in a substantial manner their appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the school.

Dr Macdonald and Mr Harlow were succeeded by Mr John Reith, who had been for many years a devoted Sabbath School teacher both in the Home Country and in Dunedin. He entered on the work of superintendent in the beginning of 1884, and performed his onerous and responsible duties with much zeal and ability. He was unwearied in his efforts on behalf of both teachers and scholars, and did much in various ways to advance the efficiency and success of the school. The preparatory lessons conducted by him for the guidance of the teachers were well attended and much prized by them. His professional duties having called him elsewhere, Mr Reith was compelled