MINISTER'S WORK

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21255, 29 August 1934, Page 4

MINISTER'S WORK

TRIBUTES TO THE EEV. L. M'MASTER i After eight years of devoted service at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Woolston, the Rev. L. McMaster will leave to-morrow evening for Onehunga. The value of his work, not only in the ordinary ministerial round, but also in his efforts to relieve unemployment and distress brought unstinted praise from many speakers at a farewell social accorded Mr and Mrs McMaster on Monday evening. Mr W. H Rose, Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery, presided over the many representatives of the presbytery and other congregations present. He said that Mr McMaster had given eight years of valuable service and in his time had accomplished very much work for the presbytery as well as for the general community. He had special gifts and had used them to the full for the good of all. His place would be hard to fill in the presbytery. The Rev. J. Lawson Robinson emphasised the value of his work for the "Helping Hand" Mission. He also referred to the good work he had done for the Presbyterian Social Service Association and on behalf of that body presented Mr McMaster with a cheque. Mr R. T. Bailey referred to the work that Mr TSlcMaster had done for the relief of distress in the city. There had not been a single occasion when he did not receive help and encouragement from him. For the presbytery, the Rev. A. McNeur said that the departing minister had had a wonderful gift in assisting the needy in the worst months of the year. He knew the presbytery would miss Mr McMaster very much. Mr- A. T. McConchie, session clerk, said good-bye to Mr and Mrs McMaster for the congregation on whose behalf he presented Mr McMaster with a watch. Mrs McMaster received a toilet set on behalf of the women of the congregation from Miss A. Malcolmson, secretary to the Board of Managers. Miss W. Robertson also presented them, on behalf of the congregation with a number of books for their children. Mr McMaster, in his reply, said that he wanted to leave the impression among the congregation that Mrs McMaster had done her full share of the work and had been of wonderful assistance to him. The help of the people had also made their task all the easier and pleasanter. They loved St. Peter's and both regretted their departure. During supper Mr and Mrs McMaster made individual farewells.