Anniversary Social and Presentation.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXII, Issue 1998, 23 March 1906, Page 1

Anniversary Social and Presentation.

FAREWELL TO 31 It DALRYMPLE. There wus u splendid gathering of the (Jluthu congregation in tliu ltomuhapa Hall on T'uesd ty earning last. The occasion marked the lifly second anniversary, 'but the meeting was held specially to bid good live to the tespected minister of the puivsii, the Rev. A. M. Dalrymple, 31.A.; | rior to his leaving for a trip to the Homo Conntry. The parish is a wide on.', but representatives were present from the different centres in .good nu.ni.ers, with, as a result, a capital attendance. Mr Wm. Hay, of Hilly Park, took the chair, and in his opening tvinar...s referred to Home of tin. 1 changes that had taken place during the past 52 years. His references to the early days were very interesting to both old and young. The Itev. 31 r Orr of Warepa, appointed by the Presbytery, .Moderator during Mr Dalrymple's absence, was the next speaker. Love of country was his theme, and in dealing with this, he showed clearly enough how ! large a place Scotland had in hus own thoughts. 31 r Dalrymple, after twenty years of won';, deserved his trip ''Jlouic,'' and would, he was sure, benefit greatly by the change. The Chairman next called upon 31 r James Shiels, sen., who in a few wellchosen words presented Mr Dalrymple with a cheque from the congregation. He wished him a pleasant voyage and a safe return. Mr Dulryinple, on rising to respond, was most heartily received, lie knew the social was partly complimentary, but the present was quite unexpected. He had to thank the congregation for I heir great kindness to him, not only on that occasion, but. through all the years of his ministry among them. Continuing, Mr Dalrymple referred to the fact that they were holding their anniversary, and in connection with this to the rich inheritance that the present generation had received from their fathers. These prized very dearly both the church and the school, and such institutions as they knew, were the soul and strength of all that_ was best in their home and national life.

The Rev. Mr Currie, of Balclutha, was present, unJ spoke of the need of greater loyalty to one another and especially in their church life and work. They made much, and rightly, of patriotism, but the church had an equal claim to their love aud service, lie trusted Mr Dalryniple would return to a strong, united, and loyal congregation. During the evening, the i'ucruu choir, with Mr Morton as leader, and Miss l'atcrson as organist, rendered splendid service. Several hymns and anthems were given very efl'eeiively. Solos were also very tastefully rendered by the Misses Mason, Lamond I'aterson and Dairyniple, and a duet by Miss and Mr Scott, while Miss Gawb was equally successful with her recitation. About half-way through the programme the usual plentiful supply of tea, sandwiches, and cake was handed round, and greatly enjoyed. Votes of thanks to the speakers were given on the motion of Mr lvilgour, to the ladies by Mr Peterson, to the choir by Mr .laekman, and to the I Chairman by Mr Dalrymple. The singing of Hymn 1!M in Snnkey's collection —"'Clod be with you till we meet ag- | ain"-—all tin.' congregation joining, brought to a close a very pleasant and hearty meeting. At the close, and during the. interval Mr Dalrymple had many good-byes to say. 'He passes through to Dunedin, we understand, to-day, and sails on I Sunday afternoon for Sydney, where he joins the Home-going boat.