FAREWELL TO VICAR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22435, 23 June 1938, Page 17

FAREWELL TO VICAR

PRESENTATION MADE AT GERALDINE CANON COURSEY LEAVING FOR CASHMERE . Three hundred people gathered ta the Geraldine Parish Hall on Tuesday night to say farewell to the Rev. Canon J. F. Coursey and Mrs Coursey and family. Canon Coursey.-who has been in charge of the Geraldine parish for the last seven years, is leaving to take charge at Cashmere.

Tributes to the work and character of Canon and Mrs Coursey and family were paid by parishioners, local body representatives, and representatives of other churches in the district Mr T. H. Bannehr, for the parishioners, presented Canon and Mrs Coursey with a roll of notes, and Miss Lulu Coursey and Messrs F. and John Coursey with gifts. ' Three outstanding events had taken place during Mr Coursey’s seven years in charge of the parish, said Mr K. H. Orbell, people’s warden, who presided. These were the church jubilee, the visit of the Church Army, and the building of the Woodbury church, and all three had benefited by Mr Cpursey’s work and organisation. “Mr Coursey has a great gift of speech,” Mr Orbell continued He had met men who would come many miles to hear him give an Anzac Day address. Both Mr and Mrs Coursey would be remembered for many kindnesses in the district. Mrs Coursey had been a tower of strength in the choir, and had worked hard tor church organisations. The. Mayor of Geraldine <Mr J. R. Lack) said that the towjn had. excellent citizens in the canon and his family. Mr Coursey was a man who gave good advice, and a number of committees, including the Coronation celebration committee, had benefited from his organising ability. Mr Coursey had also given good service as Chairman of the Geraldine School Committee and Dental Clinic Committee, and was a keen bowler and golf player. “Canon Coursey took a great interest in anything for the betterment of the town and country, and he has given excellent service on a number of committees, including those for relief,” Said Mr K. Mackenzie, chairman of the Geraldine County Council. - „ “Mr Coursey has the coveted;gift of speaking,” said the Rev. W. J. Couling, Presbyterian minister at Geraldine. “He has the fire of an orator as you know. Words are not strangers to him.” Mr Coursey was also a good citizen, and had served well on a number of committees. , Canon Coursey and hxs wife had many friends, said Rev. P. O. Prosser, who represented the Methodist Church. Lieutenant Hatch (Salvation Army) thanked both Mr and. Mrs Coursey for their friendship and interest. Mr G. N. Feilden (a lay reader) added his tribute, and Mr T. H. Bannehr. who made the presentation said that Canon Coursey was no ordinary man. • ..... ' “If the Church does not wm the young people the -Church is going to die,” said Canon Coursey. “The problem facing the Church is not peculiar to Geraldine,” he said. : .. - “There has to be a new birth in this borough if it is going to be the beauty spot it should be," said Mr Coursey. “There must be a new sense of what God can do for New Zealand.” ' “This is the hardest .nut that I have ever tried to crack —and I haven t cracked it—l have hardly succeeded in doing anything,” said Mr Coursey.. In describing Geraldine as his most aimcult parish. . '