Valedictory Soiree to the Rev. J. Robertson; M.A.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 246, 19 October 1886, Page 2

Valedictory Soiree to the Rev. J. Robertson; M.A.

A I'AnkivEi.h toa and public mooting was hold last ovoning in tho Berestord-street Congregational Church for tho purposo of bidding "Good-byo" to tho Boy. J. Kobortson, M.A., who for ten yoars haß oilioiated us pastor of tho church, but has now decided to remo'vo to another sphere cf labour, having acceptod a call to tho church at I'etoreham, Sydney. There was a fair attendance at the tea, the tables being presided over by Mesdames Davies, Elkin, Warner, Rondell, Higgins, Eady, Edmonds, Taylor, Johnston, Lovctt, llayles, Brown, Hoskins, Edmonds, Legge, McDonald, English, Tudohopo, Ridings, and Miss Hoskins. The aftor-meeting was held in tho church. The following reverend gentlemen woro accoramodatod with seats on tho platform : —Messrs T. Hamer, T. Adams, Lalshley, Williams, W. J. L. Gloss, Livons, W. H., Miller (Uongrogationalists), R, Bavin and J.,Carr ( Wosleyans), S. Macfjilano and C. Worboys (Free Methodists), and It. F. Macnicol (Presbyterian). The proceedings commenced with a hymn, aftoi which Roy. Mr Laishloy engaged in prayer. Tho chair was occupied by Mr Button, who road apologies from the following gentlemen,whb wore unable to be present in answer to invitations forwarded Revs. T. Spurgooo, J. 11. Jonos, T, Bray, R. 11. Dowabury, H. Bull. A. Carrick, Venerable Archdoacon Maun- I Bell, iifd Messrs Buddlo and Miliio. Tlio Chairman said Uiat ho was euro that it was with mingled foolitigs that, thoy had mot that ovoning to say farewell to their much - estoomed pastoi'. Thoy could not holp fooling in tliiii caso that thoir own loss would bo his gut". Those who coiild look buck for tho past ton years that ho had beon amongst thorn must surely fool that, in losing him they had lost v friend, During tho comparatively short timo that ho htineolf had boon acquaintod with Mr Robertann ho had learnt to estoem him highly, and no doubt thoso who had by his ministrations been brought to God would feci that thoy wero losing a

loVing father in God. Still they must not be selfish, and though tbo change would bo bad to themselves, ho must say that after all it would decidedly bo a gain to Mr Robertson to change his sphere of labour. And ovor In Now South Wules, Mr Robortson, when thinking of tho frionds ho had left in Auckland, would bo ablo to think that they had alroaily got an hour's start of him in their good work; Tho choir then sang, "O, Tub to and Soo," aftor which tho Rev. Mrßavlti spoko eulogistically of hie doparting friond, and road the following resolution passed by tho Auckland Ministers' Association : "This meeting, having learned with regret that the Rev, Joseph Robertson, M.A., is about to leavo Auckland for another sphere of labour in Now South Walos, desires to record tho high ostoem in whii;h he is helel by his brethren in tho Christian ministry of all denominations in this city, apd tho sorrow which thoy feel at his removal from amongst thorn. Aa pastor of the Boresfordslroot Congregational Church for the last ton years ho has givon full proof of his ability, faithfulness, and zeal, tho most palpable ovidencn of which has beon the stondy prosperity enjoyed and tho life and activity manifested by tho congrega tion undor his care. Not only havo his brethren had occasion to rejoice in his success, but his amiablo disposition and frank genial manner have socured for him thoir warm regald. Though called upon in tho providence of God to labour in another part of the vineyurd, ho will still bo aU'octioi.atcly remembered by thoso who wero hia follow labourers hero, and thoy oarnostly pray that tho Church's Great Head may abundantly prosper him in his new sphere, that he may bo long spared to carry on tho good work for which he is so well qualified, and that ho inoy have many souls as a crown of rojoicing in tho presonco of tho Lord Josus Christ at His coming.—Signed, Hknky Bull, R. F. Mac.nlccol." Tho choir next sang "Tho Kudiant Morn," after which short addresses were givon by Revs. T. Adams and S. Macfarlane. Mr Hardwlck then played a selection upon tho organ, " Bourreo," by Bach. Tho Rev. T, llamer, the founder of the church, and the Rev. It. F. Macniccol noxt addressed the meeting. Mr H. M. Warner then ascondod tho rostrum, and on bohalf of tho Church, presented the pastor with two fino viows of Auckland, artistically oxocutod by Mr F. A. Aldis, an artist who has lately arrived iii Auckland. Ono view is taken from the Mount Edon Road. Through tho cutting in the hill is seen tho City of Auckland, and away in tho back ground lies Fort Cautley, and still further beyond that crand old landmark, Rangitoto. The other was a view eastward from almost the same posi tion. Tho speaker also intimated that four volumes doscriptivo of Palestine and tho Holy Land would bo subsequently procured from England and forwarded to Mr Robortson. Mr It. H. Smith also presented tho pastor with a shield containing a series of photographs of tho oxtorior and intorior of tho church. Mr William Daldy, on behalf of tho ladies and their trionds, presented Mrs Robortson with one of M r Eric Craic's handsome books of Now Zealand forns. All tho presents were accompanied with suitablo inscriptions,— The choir noxt tang the anthem, " Lo ! My Shephotd is Divine," which was followed by speeches by Mr Robert Tudihope (tho Superintendent of the Sunday school) ond tho Rev. W. J. L. Closs.-Tho Roy. J. Robertson then roso to reply amidst loud applause, In a fow well-chosen sentences ho expressed his gratitude and pleasure at tho kind feeling exhibited by a'l present. 110 could not help wishing that half tho good things said wero true, and if he CJuld, ho wouiei then be almost prepared to congratulate tho Petorsbam Church himself. He again thanked tho church nnd congregation 'fr its kindnss and toleration during tho lou j oars that ho had beon amongst them. Ho particularly thanked them for the present of tho book of ferns. It had an especial value, being as it was afac simile of the ono presented to that grand,greatest of statesmen, the Right Hon. William Ewurt Gladstone. (Applause). After some further remarkp, Mr Robortson resumed his seat amidst applause. -Mr Hardwick then porformod a sonata in D from Mendelssohn, after which tho Doxology was sung and the proceedings torminated.