THE REV. J. GIBSON SMITH. A HEARTY WELCOME.

Evening Post, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 2 September 1903, Page 5

THE REV. J. GIBSON SMITH. A HEARTY WELCOME.

The Sydney-street Schoolroom was hardly big enough to hold, the large number of people who assembled last evening to welcome the Rev. J. Gibson Smith, M.A., to the pastorate of St. Andrew's. The Rev. Alex. Thomson presided, and with him on the tastefully-embellished platform were the guest of the evening and his wife, office-bearers of the church, and ministers and leading members of other churches. Apologies for absence were received from, amongst others, Bishop Wallis and the Rev. Dr. Gibb. The interesting and not-gcnerally-known fact was mentioned by the Chairman, in his opening remarks that St. Andrew's was not only the first historical church in Wellington, but the first Presbyterian chiurch in New Zealand. The first minister wa's sent out by the Church of Scoijand, andi landed on the Petone beach, where in 1840 the first service was held, at which the emigrants sang the well-known hymn "O God' of Bethel, by whose hand." The speaker, in welcoming the new pastor, said he believed that in the man o f their choice the congregation would find one who would worthily upno ' d the traditions of the church. The Rev. C. S. Ogg, the retiring pastor, extended a warm greeting to his .Miccessor The congregation had done vn™% + J° Obfcain tbe ™»t suitable S li c P osl^. and he congratuSsfLd r would find th *y Mr. j. G. W. Aitken, Mayor M H R President of the Elders 5 AsiodatlJn and an elder of St. John's Church, in all these oapacities and in a characteristic speechlet extended the right hand of fellowship m the most hearty manner to the newcomer, and welcomed him in the name of the city. - Mr. A. Jolly, who has been assisting m the pulpit work at St. Andrew's for some time .past, said that no one mora cordially welcomed Mr. Smith than he did, and he prayed that every blessing would rest on him in his new sphere of work. Mr. Jolly urged the congregation to fully co-operate with their pastor and assist him by all means in their power. The task of a minister was a difficult one — one that he had every sympathy with — and he reminded the congregation of the value of words of appreciation. The fact that the two previous speakers were bachelors — (laughter) — probably accounted for their omission to mention that Mr. Smith was not alone. He, however, would also extend a most hearty welcome to Mrs. Gibson Smith and her family. (Applause.) In concluding, Mr. Jolly said he had felt like an interloper for some time past — (cries of "No") — and he almost felt tempted to say he would never do it again. The loud and prolonged applause which followed Mr. Jolly's forcible address gave some idea of the ihigh esteem in which ha is held by the congregation. The Rev. William Shirer, on behalf of the Wellington Presbytery, joined in the chorus of welcome, and said he had' no doubt the name of the church would prove an inspiration to Mr. Gibson SmitHi in his life's work. Mr. . Shirer also had occasion to remark that too much had been made in some places of a supposed backwardness of Presbyterianism in Wellington, and he emphasised the quality of Presbyterianism that existed Tiere, and said the quantity was very satisfactory, too. The Rev. J. Reed Glasson also, on behalf of the Congregationalisms, took part in the greeting to the newcomers, and Mrs. John Jack, on behalf of the ladies, presented Mr. Gibson Smith with a gown. Se proceedings throughout had been ed by great enthusiasm and frequent applause, which, was renewed as the new pastor stepped forward 1 to reply. The people evidently wished him to feel at home, and he said he would take them at their word. He expressed his own and his wife's gratitude for the exceedingly hearty and encouraging greeting, paid an eloquent tribute to the many years' work of their old pastor (Mr. Ogg), thanked the Rev. Mr. Thomson for having so ably presided over the congregation during tihe vacancy, and also Mr. Jolly, who had) performed his task most admirably and nobly. The ladies also came in for their share of thankß. Mr. Smith said he hoped to soon visit all his new friends in their homes. He had very great hopes of being able to do good work here, not because of any powers he might possess, but because he was serving in a good cause and trusted in the power of the Master whose command he obeyed. Here as elsewhere there was work to be done, and he would try to do it. He asked their co-operation and their forbearance. Mr. Smith's address was freely punctuated with applause and laughter, for he showed himself to be the possessor of a very keen sense of humour. Between the various addresses a glee was contributed by the choir, songs by Mr. Roland Boot and Mr. Pierard, violin soios by Herr Max Hoppe, and a harp and piano duet by Mrs. W. D Murdoch •and Colonel Messenger, all of which were warmly applauded. After refreshments had been partaken of all joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne." ' The arrangements were most successfully carrieaj out by a committee of which Mr. John Scott was chairman and Mr. J. H. H. Jack secretary.