Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/89

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N the Annual Report for 1871 it is stated that the changes in the membership of the congregation had been considerably above the average of former years, some members having returned to their native land, some having removed to other parts of New Zealand or to the sister colonies, others having elected to join the newly-formed Presbyterian Church of North Dunedin, while a number had been removed by death. Among these last was Mr John Gillies, who was called away to his rest in July 1871. His removal caused feelings of profound sorrow and regret in the church and throughout the entire community. He was undoubtedly the principal founder of Knox Church, in which he held continuously the offices of elder and Session clerk from its foundation till his death. As a member of the general community the services rendered by him were most abundant and valuable, and indeed beyond all praise. "He was one of the best known of our early settlers, and the tried friend of education and religion. During the nineteen years of his residence in Otago, every measure and institution for the general good had his earnest sympathy and hearty support.

"John Gillies was born in Rothesay, Isle of Bute, on April 22, 1802, and was ordained an elder of the Church of Scotland in 1830. He took a deep interest and an active part in the affairs of the Church during the Ten Years' Conflict. Into the questions respecting the civil establishment of religion, lay patronage, spiritual independence of the Church, and education, which in those days were keenly discussed throughout Scotland, Mr Gillies threw himself heart and soul at public meetings, but especially in Presbytery, Synod, and Assembly. Mr Gillies left the Establishment at the Disruption. The educational spirit which he did so much to awaken obtained for Rothesay some of the most eminent educationists of Scotland. Among the first of its class in his own country, the Industrial School of his native town was mainly originated by him. His executive energy and fertility of resource often stood his church in good stead. One of the peculiar