SUMNER METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20812, 23 March 1933, Page 3

SUMNER METHODIST CHURCH.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. A. T. KENT.

A large gathering assembled on Monday evening at St. Paul's Methodist Church, Sumner, to say good-bye to the Rev. A. T. Kent, who is leaving the district for Greendale. A large gathering was present, representing all parts of the circuit, Woolston, Opawa, Heathcote, Redcljffs, and Sumner. The Rev. J. Harris, superintendent of the circuit, presided. The Rev. A. Martin, of the Presbyterian Church, Sumner, wished Mr Kent happiness in his new work and in his married life, and expressed the hope that the incoming minister would work with the Presbyterian Church. Mrs H. W. Heslop, on behalf of the Sumner Ladies' Guild, spoke of the help Mr Kent had given to the guild. Mr W. J. Duff, superintendent of the Sunday school, on behalf of the teachers and scholars, expressed their great regret at his departure. Mr John Cock spoke on behalf of the members of the devotional services. Mr Norman Chapman, of the Young Men's Bible Class, referred to the pleasant associations of Mr Kent with the young men and asked him to accept a small present as a token of their good wishes. Mr A. J. McEldowney, of the Young Men's Christian Association, said that he had been greatly attracted by Mr Kent's genial personality. . , , Mr H. W. Heslop, circuit steward, spoke of the circuit as a training ground for young ministers. He expressed the circuit's very deep appreciation of Mr Kent's work during the last two years, and presented him with a cheque given by the members of the Sumner, Woolston, and Opawa churches. Mr L. H. Chapman, on behalf of the Sumner Church trustees, offered their •best wishes for Mr Kent's future prosperity in church work. Mr J. McHarg, speaking for the Woolston congregation, said that they all had a very deep affection for Mr Kent, _who carried with him their best wishes. Mr C. Hall, for the Opawa church, said that Opava had seen all too little of Mr Kent, and he heartily endorsed the good wishes already expressed. As president of the North Canterbury Local Preachers' Association, he congratulated Mr Kent on the food work he was carrying on. Mr A. Holden, of the Redcliffs church, sp°ke ° Mr Kent's good preaching. On behalf of the borough council he thanked him for his good influence in the district. Mr W. Burnell, of Heathcote, Mrs r McMillan, of the Women's Chnstian Temperance Union, and Mr Harris "Mr'& m reply, thanked the people for their gift and good w.shej The co-operation and spirit of on the part of the people had been of great help to The help of his superintendent, Mr Harris, naa be During a the'eveni n g vocal w e j. Wuf^and ai M? T*. Cook.