FAREWELL TO REV. W. R. MILNE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 235, 1 July 1936, Page 5

FAREWELL TO REV. W. R. MILNE

Appreciation of Ministry The members of the congregation of St. James’ Presbyterian Church, Wellington South, and the friends of the Rev. W. R. and airs, Milne met in the Sunday school hall on Monday evening to bid farewell to air. ami Mrs. aiilne on the eve of their departure to St. Stephen's Church. Ponsonby, Auckland, to which air. aiilne has received a call. The stage was attractively decorated for the occasion. The large attendance included Rev. D. ai. Hercus, Moderator of the Wellington Presbytery, Rev. A. A. Armstrong (Wellington South Ministers' Association), Rev. W. Parker (Trinity Methodist), Rev. I*. J. Wainwright, Rev. Archibald Hunt, and Rev. W. Gilmour, air. H. E. Brooker acted as master of ceremonies.

In presenting to air. aiilne on behalf of the congregation an inscribed wallet and cheque, the session clerk referred to his faithful and devoted service during the past seven years, and expressed the deep sense of loss which the congregation felt at his impending departure, airs. Milne's task had not been a light one. Although her primary duty had been to her family she had found time to devote to the affairs of the P.AV.M.U. and the Mothers’ Union. Throughout the ministry the spiritual condition of the church had stood at a high level, and neither Air. aiilne nor Mjs. aiilne had spared themselves in the many duties which had devolved upon them. Thanks were also due to the members of their family, who had rendered valuable service in the choir, Sunday school, and Bible classes. air. Milne said they were both very sad at the thought of leaving the sphere in which they had received such loyal support throughout their ministry. They would ever cherish the friendships they had made, and hoped that the church would continue to prosper in the years to come. They felt deeply grateful for the honour which the people had extended to them by attending in such large numbers that evening. Rev. P. J. Wainwright led the meeting in prayer, and Revs. A. A. Armstrong, IV. Parker, and D. AI. Hercus addressed the meeting, paying tribute to air. and airs, aiilne’s sterling qualities and expressing the wish that they would enjoy a very successful ministry in their new charge. The meeting passed a motion of sympathy with Rev. W. and airs. Shirer in the death of their eldest daughter, airs. A. M. Bisley. During the evening items were rendered by Rev. Archibald Hunt, Misses M. Wilson and G. Webb, and Aiessrs. F. Anderson and A. Wilson, aiessrs. A. A. Brown and N. K. Thomson officiated at the piano. Supper was provided by the ladies of the congregation.