"GREAT LITTLE MAN"

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 76, 23 September 1941, Page 1

"GREAT LITTLE MAN"

REV. J. W. HAYWAKD'S WORK

SPEAKERS PAY TRIBUTES

Rev. J. W. Hayward, who has been relieving in the Leeston Presbyterian charge for the Rev. L. McMaster, who has been on special duties forlJhe last six months, concluded his ministry in the district on Sunday, when he preached his farewell addresses to large congregations at Leeston, Brookside and Killinchy.

On Friday evening Mr Hayward was the guest at a social held in the Presbyterian Sunday School hall at' Leeston, when his popularity and the high regard with which he was held by the members of the congregation were evidenced by the large and representative attendance, all parts of the charge being represented. The chairman was Mr W. H. Cartwright. The first part of the social consisted of a concert, several much appreciated items being. given, especially by a number of children.

Mr Cartwright read an apology for absence from Mr J. Boag on account of illness. He sent a message expressing his appreciation of the fine service given by Mr Hayward. Mr Cartwright added that all who had met him had been charmed by Mr Hayward, who had put the greatest amount of energy and enthusiasm into his work. He had travelled about the district on his pastoral work in an amazing way; indeed he had been described as a regular "pocket battleship." Mr H. O. Gardiner, who spoke on behalf of the Brookside congrer gation, also referred to the energy with which Mr Hayward did hisi work, visiting* the sick in every part of the parish. His stay in the district had been greatly enjoyed and the speaker wished him many happy years in which to carry on I his good work. !

Mr West, speaking on behalf of the Killinchy congregation, said that the people in that district had enjoyed Mr Hay ward's ministry very much.

Mr D. M. Mackay (Leeston) thanked Mr Hayward for his work in the charge. He added that when he was collecting for this function he had heard many tributes to Mr Hayward's work during the time he had been in the charge and it had been said of the guest that he was a "great little man." There had been a time before Mr Hayward had taken up his duties when there had been some doubts, but as a result of his work, the financial position was sound and there was a good credit balance. He proposed that a letter should be sent to the Presbytery on behalf of the congregation expressing their appreciation of the good work which had been done by Mr Hayward. Mr Lewitt seconded the motion which was carried with enthusiasm. In presenting Mr Hayward with a travelling rug and a cheque, on behalf of the charge, Mr J. B. Anderson said that they were all very sorry to say goodbye to Mr Hayward. He would be long remembered for his kindly and encouraging ministry and for his fine thoughtful sermons. Wherever he had gone, said Mr Anderson, he had met with freely-given expressions of appreciation of Mr Hayward and his work in the district. The meeting also decided to send a message of goodwill to Mrs Hayward who had been unable to accompany her husband to Leeston. Responding, Mr Hayward said that he was almost overwhelmed by the exceeding kindness shown to him. He thanked the people most sincerely for all they had done for

him, for the fine function and the delightful programme. He had done what he believed was his duty and he had been greatly encouraged from time to time by expressions of gratitude for what he had been able to do. It was always his desire to be able to help people and if he could do that he would not think that his ministry was in vain. When he first came to the church he could not help feeling a little disappointed at his reception, but it was not long before he was receiving the loyal, cordial support of the session and of the people. He thanked all for the sympathy and co-operation which they had given to him in the work of the church. He wished especially to thank Mrs McMaster for her assistance in many ways and for her encouragement and co-operation; also to thank Mr and Mrs E. A. Fisher for their help and hospitality. He had enjoyed the work and the time had not been long. What he had especially enjoyed was the work in the schools in religious instruction. At Leeston he had a class which was a credit to any school and it showed the value of religious instruction in public Schools even in the limited way given at present. Speaking of the church work, he said that the Leeston charge was one of which any minister should be proud and he , congratulated Mr McMaster on it. The district was well-organised and the churches were served by good office bearers. There was a strong Presbyterian element in the district but he was disappointed in that a very large proportion did not attend church. Mrs Reid thanked Mr Hayward on behalf of the P.W.M.U., for the many acts of kindness and assistance he had rendered to the P.W.M.U. Afterwards, the ladies of the congregation served supper. Those who took part in the concert were Misses Christine Lyons, pianoforte solo and vocal solo, Shirley Chappell, dances, Nancy Pollock, songs, Lyle and Rosalie Anderson, duets, and Mr R. A. Oakley, songs. Mrs McMaster played the accompaniments.