WELCOME TO REV. S. ROBERTSON ORR

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 47, 19 November 1925, Page 9

WELCOME TO REV. S. ROBERTSON ORR

RETURN FROM NORTH AMERICA. St. Andrew’s Hall was filled last night to welcome back the Rev. Robertson Orr and Mrs. Orr from their nine months’ tour abroad. The Rev. W. Shirer presided, and was presented with a cheque by' the office, bearers of the church for his service as interim Moderator during Mr. Orr’s absence. In replying to tlie presentation, which was made by Mr. J. Hislop, Mr. Shirer said he had found it a task of rare joy to pieside over such a fine band of elders and managers, and over a congregation which was a credit to the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Mr. N. 11. McFarlane and Mr. A. J. Mac Kay made speeches of welcome to Mr. Orr, aud said that nothing could be heartier than the welcome jffiey all felt in having their minister back again. Mr. Orr was a recognised leader, and they had often wished during the weeks ho had been away for his guidance and strength. The office-bearers went on to the platform in a body, aud each gave the hand of welcome to tlie minister. Mr. Orr said that he went away knowing that the affairs of the congregation were in the hands of a Christian gentleman when Mr. Shirer was acting Moderator. He had been greatly encouraged to hear of tlie success attendant upon the ministry of Dr. Van dor > Las, and that they had sent him away with a grateful heart and a deep regard for New ’Zealand. It was very gratifying that both in Seattle and Wellington they had tokens -of the success of the exchange. He praised tlie leadership of Mrs. McCallum for Hie service of the visiting committee, and thanked all who had made the expertment such a success. It could not be said that either Dr. Van der Las or he had had a holiday. He had addressed over 50 clubs, schools, and public meetings in Washington State on various aspects of New Zealand, lie hoped fbat ’ three other American ministers would be out in New Zealand on exchange during the next two years. On behalf ot Bethany Church, Seattle, he presented to St. Andrew’s a silk Stars and Stripes. Mr. J. A. Thomson read a letter received from the American church stating that the experiment of exchanging pastors had been an entire success, and that Mr. Orr had endeared himself to them as preacher, pastor, and man, and that he would long be remembered in their individual and church life. It was stated that a New Zealand ensign was being sent to Bethany Church.