RICCARTON METHODIST PARISH.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20817, 29 March 1933, Page 10

RICCARTON METHODIST PARISH.

FAREWELL TO MINISTER. The Clarence Road Methodist Church schoolroom was crowded last evening, when the congregation met to say good-bye to the Rev. J. F. Jack, who is leaving the district for Oamaru after four years' work in the parish. The circuit steward, Mr R. W. Brighting, presided, and with him on the dais were the Mayor of Riccarton <Mr H. S. S. Kyle, M.P.), the Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, connexional secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, and Mr G. H. Andrew, representing the Local Preachers' Association. Mr Jack's place will be taken by the Rev. H. Ryan, of Roslyn, Dunedin. "Mr Jack's four years in the parish have been very happy ones for us, and I believe, for him, too, said the chairman in his address. "At the time we welcomed Mr and Mrs Jack 1 said that this circuit would be only one of the stepping-stones in Mr Jack's path to success, and it has been so. Mr Jack has proved himself acceptable to the congregation and a gifted preacher. We are all sorry that he is leaving to go to the larger circuit of Oamaru, but we wish him a happy time in Oamaru, and in any future circuit to which he may be appointed." The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt said that he knew that it was with very mingled feelings that the congregation had assembled to say good-bye to their departing minister and his wife, who had endeared themselves to all of them. The Methodist Church had appreciated the service of Mr and Mrs Jack in North Canterbury. Mr Jack had borne his office worthily, and had attended to all his duties with fidelity and ability. He had been rather a listener and a worker than a talker, and all hoped that he had gained experience and wisdom in his work in the circuit. The congregation's best wishes accompanied Mr and Mrs Jack to their new sphere of activities. Mr Kyle said that Mr and Mrs Jack had been brought very closely in touch with him through the social work in aiding the necessitous unemployed during the winter months, and the amount of work done by them had been enormous. Mr Jack had been equally enthusiastic in his other duties, and all the residents of Riccarton wished him success. Speaking on behalf of his association, Mr Andrew said that it was with the deepest regret that the association and people were saying good-bye to .Mr and Mrs Jack. The association would particularly miss him, and it wished him prosperity and happiness. Other speakers were: Mr W. H. Barrell, representing the trustees and the Wesley Guild; Mr C. Pilling, on behalf of the choir; Miss Duder, Sunday School; Mr Dale, Boys' Bible Class; Miss S. Gribble, the Girls' Bible Class; Miss Hodgson, the. Ladies' Guild. Presentations were then made to Mr and Mrs Jack on behalf of the girls' and boys' Bible classes and the Ladies' Guild, Mrs Jack suitably replying. The chairman then presented Mr Jack with a carved chiming clock, on behalf of all sections of the Church. "In some ways, this is one of the saddest days of one's ministry when one has to sever friendships that have become very dear," said Mr Jack in acknowledging the gifts. "We have enjoyed being here, and have made friendships that will last probably through all our lives." Mr Jack then thanked the various sections of the Church for their willing co-operation and the whole parish for its expressions of goodwill, which he would always value. The following items were given during the evening:—Pianoforte duet, Mrs W. H. Barrell and Miss E. Jackson; vocal solo, Miss K. Johnston, "Afton Water" and "Comin' Through the Rye," the choir; recitation, Miss Edna ' Odell; "Lorelei," and "All Through the Night," the choir; vocal solo, Miss E. Jackson.