REV. W. J. WILLIAMS' FAREWELL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 46, 23 February 1901, Page 6

REV. W. J. WILLIAMS' FAREWELL.

A meeting was held in the Pittstreet Wesleyan Schoolroom last evening- for the piirpose of bidding farewell to the Rev. W. J. Williams, Who having- finished five years' pastorate is about to proceed to England with his wife. In spite of the inclemency of the weather there was a large attendance, an evidence of the esteem in which Mr Williams is held by his people. Mr A. C. Caughey presided, and there was a strong choir present, which, conducted by Mr W. F. Forbes, sang "The Day is Past," "The Son of God Goes Forth to War," and "I Will Sing of Thy Power." Miss Millie Peek contributed a violin solo, and Mr W. Astley sang "The Mighty Deep." Apologies were read from Pastor Clark, Rev. J. T. Pinfold, Rev. W. Ready, Mr' J. Astloy, and Mr Wesley Spragg. The chairman expressed regret at the departure of Mr Williams, referring to him as a faithful, robust, and evangelical preacher, and in the home genial and courteous. Daring the past five years the membership and communicants of the circuit had increased by 331, and new churches had

been built ut King-shiud, Mt. Eden, Bayne-ld. and Henderson. Of course Mr Williams was the last man to take credit for all that himself, as he had worthy colleagues to assist him. As a citizen Mr Williams had taken the keenest interest in everything concerning national life and progress. Mr Williams also wielded a facile and competent pen. He was neither a trimmer, time-server, nor afraid to have the courag-e of his opinions. Complimentary reference was also made to Mr Williams' character and work by Rev. H. R. Dcwsbury, chairman of the district; Mr G. Winstone, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and a trustee; Mr T. McMnster, on behalf of the Christian Endeavour Society; Mr and Mrs Alex. Thome, Mr H. Scott Mr J. W. Bridgman, Mr J. Burton, Rev. Chapman, and Rev. 11. Kelly, on behalf of the Ministers' Association.

The Rev. Mr Williams in replying said he could only imperfectly express his sense of gratitude for the kindly expressions used reg-arding Mrs Williams and himself. His words would be few, because he found it impossible to express all he felt. He could not help feeling that the speakers had drawn an ideal of the minister he should have been. He felt affection for Pitt-street, as it wtys there he first preached when he landed in the colony 30 years ago. Mr Williams also expressed his gratitude to the church officers for the loyal way he had been supported during- the time he had been in charge of Pitt-street.

Refreshments were supplied all present before the meeting terminated.