REV. DR. INKSTER

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 5

REV. DR. INKSTER

FAREWELL AT ST. JOHN'S

Members of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Willis Street, last night farewelled the Rev. Dr. J. Gibson Inkster, who is about to leave on his^ return to Canada after eight months' ministry in Wellington. The Rev. J. S. Murray, interim moderatorl of St. John's, said that in his eight months' stay Dr. Inkster had made a deep impression, not only on his congregation at St. John's or in Wellington only, but throughout New Zealand. His bold and sincere evangelism had been a help and stimulation to his congregation, and it would be with regret that they would bid him and Mrs. Inkster good-bye. Mr. Ad. Howitt presented Dr. • Inkster with a leather-bound copy of an extract from the session minutes of the Church, referring to Dr. Inkster's ministry at St. John's, and placing on record his sterling services. Mrs. P. M. Cameron read a similar testimony from the St. John's Women's Association. Mr. R. Fleming, on behalf of the congregation, presented Dr. and Mrs. Inkster with a New Zealand wool travelling rug each, a carved Maori "whaka huia" containing twb huia feathers, and an inlaid box of indigenous woods, as well as paua shell bookends, Maori carved bookends, and, a Maori box for thejr three daughters in Canada, and a Maori wahine doll, complete ,with piccaninny, for their granddaughter. Dr. and Mrs. Inkster stuck the huia feathers in their hair. Miss H. D. Clyde read a valedictory ode of her own composition. Dr. Inkster, in reply, said that he was overwhelmed by these expressions of the congregation's- appreciation and affection. He was proud to have officiated at St. John's, which had a-great future as a mid-city church. In the past it had ministered largely to its own congregation) but now it'had the finest opportunity that it had ever had to extend its evangelistic work to a wider section of the populace. Dr. Inkster thanked/the congregation, and expressed pleasure at the experience he had undergone during his stay. Mrs. Inkster also thanked -them, and said good-bye. ■