FAREWELL SOCIAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 269, 27 August 1935, Page 6

FAREWELL SOCIAL

THE REV. R. AND MRS MORGAN.

PRESENTATIONS AT METHVEN.

A REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING

Testifying to the esteem in which all classes of tne community of the Methven district regard the Rev and Mrs Morgan, on the occasion of their departure, tiie Town Hall was filled to its utmost capacity on Monday evening. Mr H. E. A. Lock (session clerk) who occupied the chair, said that the large assembly! of all shades of religious opinions, testified to the esteem in wnich the departing minister and his wife were held after a residence ot seven years among them. Mr Morgan s ministry had been outstanding. The churcli had prospered financially and the most pleasing feature was the much increased membership, particularly among the younger generation. All regretted the necessity for their minister’s retirement, which, was clue to failing health. Although retiring from active churcli work both Mr and Mrs Morgan would still be assisting in mission work at Opotiki, their new home.

Mr Lock read apologies from the Rev. Father T. W. Price and the Rev. E. A. Osmers, both of whom spoke of their happy associations in the ministry of the church. Work in Several Spheres.

The Rev. A. D. Kirkland (Mayfield), on behalf of the Ashburton Presbytery, spoke of Mr Morgan’s thorough work for the churcli. His brother ministers all regretted liis departure. As clerk to the Presbytery liis work had been outstanding. Mr Stanley Smith (Chairman of the District Pligli School Committee) said that Mr Morgan’s term as a committeeman and hffn. had been most valuable. His Bible Class work in the public school had been deeply appreciated by parents and scholars alike. The Rev. \V. A. Mills (Methodist), added his tribute as brother minister. Their relations liad been most lasting and to the mutual benenr of both congregations. Mr C. A. Campion, on behalf of the Road Board administering relief work and for the Ashburton Hospital Board, reviewed Mr Morgan's many acts in favour of the relief of distress and for the sick in the district. He wished their departing guests health in tlieir new sphere. Mr H. E. Richards (Vicar’s Warden at All Saints’ Church) endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. For the Bible classes Mr H. Prance spoke of the inspiration members had received from Mr and Mrs Morgan. Their places would be hard to fill, and he wished them God speed. Mrs W. A. Shemeld, for the Presby L terian Women’s Missionary Union, thanked Mrs Morgan for her leadership and help. They were also indebted to Mr Morgan for acting as their lion, president. Mr A. S. Kennedy, of the Board of Managers of St. John’s Church, spoke of the cordial relations existing during Mr Morgan’s ministry. His advice had always been most helpful. The chairman then presented Mr Morgan with a well-filled wallet of notes .as a token of goodwill to himself and Mrs Morgan from members of the churcli at Methven and residents of the district. Presentation from Highbank. Mr A. J. Penney, for the Highbank area of the district, presented the guests with a cheque, at the same time expressing regret at their departure. Mr Morgan was loudly applauded on rising to reply. He first thanked all for their hearty expressions of goodwill and tokens of esteem on behalf ot his wife and himself. Their decision to retire was entirely due to ill-health and as they were proceeding to a warmer climate he hoped they would all benefit. Coming to Methven as an unknown quantity seven years ago lie had experienced nothing but openhanded hospitality and kindness. If his work had been fruitful and appreciated it was due to the fact that lie had experienced that helpful co-operation from his congregation and residents of the district. Mrs Morgan and he would carry away most pleasant recollections of their work in the district. Any effort on his part for the good of the district other than regular churcli work had indeed been a pleasure. Hie thanked the various speakers for their kindly references to his wife’s work, which had always been an inspiration to him.

Prior to the function both Mr and Mrs Morgan were the recipients of a button-hole and a bouquet respectively from Master Guthrie “< and Betty Mangin.

Items were given by Mrs McDonald (violin solo) A Mrs E. A. Mangin, Miss Ashford, Messrs A. Polkinghorne, L. A. Oakley, C. J. Stewart, Craighead, L. J. Watt, Miss Watt (pianoforte solo), Miss Bruce (recitation). The accompanistes were Mrs A. S. Kennedy and Miss Watt. At the close the ladies of the congregation entertained all'at supper. At St. John’s Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, morning and evening, there were large congregations when Mr Morgan preached his farewell sermons. There was a large congregation at Lyndhurst in the afternoon.