MW Supply Minister - Sep I916 - Jun l9l9

On May 4, I916, a letter from Rev. Dr. J. T. Ferguson, District Superintendent of the Presbyteries of High River, McLeod and Kootenay, Alberta was received in reply to a request for a minister to "fill in" for Rev. George C. Taylor while he served in the war. In Dr. Ferguson's letter recommending Mr. McKenzie, he stated "He has the outward qualifications for exercising an attractive ministry. in line presence, a good voice, a clear an audible utterance and a fervid and impressive delivery) He is well versed in the Scriptures and in Christian doctrine. and has an earnest desire to win men for Christ and lead then to the way of Salvation. He is a diligent pastor, a sincerely friendly man and a high-minded citizen. As a Presbyter he is a strength to his Brethren, and his business methods are clean and satisfactory. I should congratulate any congregation offering his services as their Minister, more especially as they would find in Mrs. McKenzie a lady whose influence would surely be for good among them and a society at large. I feel assured that all the Brethren of High River Presbytery would bear me out in this testimony."

He came to Zion for a year, and no one knowing the length the war would |ast,-was with the church for two and one-half years. A tribute was paid him when he was leaving lion in June l9l9 iii a letter by ajoint body of Session and the Board of Trustees which read ..."on behalf of the congregation we desire to give expression to our feelings of regret which this parting calls forth. All are aware both members and adherents of this church, that when you came to us as pastor in l9l6 some two and one- half years ago, it was the understanding that you were to supply this pulpit during the absence of its regular Pastor who was going to the front - as Chaplain of the I05th Battalion. It was then believed that your period of ministry totlie congregation would not probably be beyond the year. but owing to the prolongation of the war and the need of your serVIces among US. you faithfully remained in your temporary position until the signing of the Armistice and the return of our Pastor. Few perhaps realize the difficulties of such position for you were filling another‘s place not knowing where the end would be. . .

Your sermons have invariably been both instructive andledifying, your teachings in the addresses you have both from the pulpit and the platform especially in the weekly prayer meeting serVIce have been of more than ordinary helpfulness to all who attend. Coupled With this your work in re-organizing the Sabbath School and your endeavour as teacher of the Student Bible Class have been of incalculable benefit -. to the young and old. As a citizen you have exemplified in your daily work and Conversiture in your place among your fellow men, that you are indeed one who is ever favoured in the Great Task Masters eye. When by Precept and example during the time that you have been settled in this COmmunity, your character and your spiritus ministration as well as your

-|03-