GRAFTON ROAD WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4325, 27 March 1884, Page 4

GRAFTON ROAD WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Valedictory Soiree.

A valedictory soiree was rendered at the Graf ton Road Wesley an Church last evening to the Rev. W. O. Oliver, who is removing to Wellington, and to the Rev. W. G. Parsonson, who has been transferred to Devonport, After tea in the scholroom, an adjournment to the church took place, when Mr Joseph Lister Wilson took the chair. He made an excellent speech, expressing the regret the congregation felt at parting with the two rev. gentlemen. He announced that apologies for absence had been received from tho Revs. Messrs Spurgcon and Hill.—Mr F. A White, in the course of a few remarks, mentioned that the movement which had been started a few months ago to get an extension of their lease in order to remove the present building further back and erect a new church. They hold a meeting yesterday, and there was a prospect of their getting the extended lease, so they might prepare themselves for being waited on by members of tho committee to ascertain what they would do towards the erection of tho now building. He deeply regretted Mr Oliver's removal, and if he got an . oppporunity would ask that no bo returned to the circuit. Addresses were also delivered by Mr Hogg, circuit steward, representing Newmarket, Mr Burton, as representative of the local preachers, Mr Rothwell, on behalf of the Threo Kings Institute, to which Mr Oliver was lecturer on theology, and the Rev. W. j. Watkin, principal of the institute, also spoke, testifying to the esteem in which th« doparting ministers were held. The Rev. Mr Oliver replied reforring to the regret he felt at leaving tho district. Ho said his successor (Mr Bavin) is a right gqod man, and had a fund of native goodness In his heart. The Rev. Mr Parsonson said his position at the meeting was rather that of a spectator, than a participator in this.as he was not going far away. He was glad to be with them to say farewell to Mr Oliver. During tho course of the evening selections of sacred music were given by the choir. The proceedings terminated with tho pronounciation of the benediction.