BERESFORD STREET CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 29, 3 February 1916, Page 6

BERESFORD STREET CHURCH.

« WELCOME TO REV. F. WARNER. A large gathering of the members of Congregational churches in Auckland took place in Beresford Hall last night to publicly welcome the Rev. F. Warner of Collins Street Church, Melbourne, who .has agreed to take charge of Beresford I Street Church for the ensuing six months. Very many of those present had been members of Newton Congregational Church- when Mr. Warner was in charge of it sixteen years ago. The proceedings were of a social character. Mr. Robert Tudehope presided, and songs were given by Miss Muriel Smith, Messrs. Denise and Dalby, the accompaniments being played by Mr. H. Simmonds. After the welcome from the chairman on behalf of the meeting, Mr. John Ellyett tendered the good wished of those present from Newton church. Brief addreses were also given by the Rev. W. Young and Mr. Enoch Wood. The Rev. Warner received quite an ovation upon rising to reply. He thanked all present for the hearty welcome tendered him and the kindly feeling shown. He referred to the problem of filling city churches when the congregations had removed to the suburbs. It was no new problem, and one that would never be solved by talking. The only chance was to do a little quiet thinking and a lot of quiet decisive work. Mr! Warner intimated that while ho was in cnarge of Beresford Street Church they would not hear much in the way of arguments on theology, or sermons on politics. That was not his conception of a preacher's duty. To preach the Christian religion would be his aim while in charge of the church. The ladies supplied supper ..at the close of Mr. Warner's remarks, and the rest of the evening was spent in social converse.