WELCOME SOCIAL

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 91, 17 April 1923, Page 3

WELCOME SOCIAL

The Eev. J. I", and Mrs. Martin, who were recently appointed to take charge of the Methodist Central Mission) were given a congregational welcome in the Webb Street Church last evening. There was an overflowing audience, which was presided over by the senior circuit steward of the mission, Mr. J. R. Burley. Mr. Martin, he said, • had come to Wellington with a very fine record in circuit and pastoral work, and was a very able preacher, full of hope and confidence for the future of the mission, his special desire being to reach the non-churchgoers. Speeches of congratulations and words of welcome were delivered by the Rev. Edward Drake (ex-chairman of the district), Rev. Clarence Eaton (newly-appointed superintendent Taranaki Street Circuit), Commandant Middlemiss (Salvation Army), Sister Bessie (deaconness in charge Aro Street Mission), and Messrs. Burly, Noot, and H. Baker (representing the officials of the Central Mission). Commandant Middlemiss referred especially to the devotion of Mrs. Martin, and to her ability as a platform speaker. Mr. and Mrs. Martin, in responding, thanked the various speakers for their kindly words of welcome. Mr. Martin stressed the point that his first objective in his work in the mission would be reach and attract those who would not attend an ordinary church service, but did not; object to attending such service in a theatre or a hall. Songs were contributed during the evening by Miss Mona Goodwill, and Messrs. Oakey, Gilmour, and Newton. Miss Thawley and Mr. Wiri Baker acted as awompanista, (