PRESENTATION TO THE REY. E. H. GRAINGER.

Evening Star, Issue 3077, 30 December 1872, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO THE REY. E. H. GRAINGER.

At half-past three o’clock this afternoon a number of the parishioners of All Saints’ Church, and friends of the Bev. E, H. Grainger, assembled at St. George’s Hall to witness the presentation of a purse of sovereigns to that gentleman. The company included a large number of ladies, and, amongst, those present, we noticed the Revs. Or, Stuart, E. G. Edwards, T. L. Stanley, while, on the platform, were the Bishop of Dunedin (who presided), his Honor Judge Chapman, Messrs J, Macassoy, D’A. Haggett, Hodgkins, &c. His Lordship, in opening the proceedings, observed that the occasion was one which was to be regarded as much with regret as with pleasure. It was a pleasure for him at all times to preside over a body of persons anxious to testify the respect in which they held one who had been resident amongst them for a length of time—especially one who bad resided amongst them in the character Mr Grainger had occupied, viz., one of the resident clergy. He felt Mr Grainger would he deeply missed by many present in that room; and for himself (the Bishop) he had to say that, short as had been his acquaintance with him, it was great regret he felt that in the commencement of his personal intercourse with them, that the tie which had been formed, though of short duration, was about to be severed. He was sure Mr Grainger would carry with him the respect and appreciation of a great many amongst whom he had labored so long, as he regarded that afternoon’s proceeding as the evidence of the deep-rooted feelings towards him which prevailed in many hearts. While, as lie before stated, he regretted th y were about to lose Mr Grainger ; at the same time the occasion was a pleasure, for it was an evident token and witness that his residence amongst them had been such to call forth their regard. He had the greatest pleasure in that aspect in presiding, and concluded by calling on Mr Justice Chapman, who made the presentation, and in doing so, said he had been deputed by the subscribers to the very small testimonial to Mr Grainger to present it. It consisted of one hundred guineas, or rather of LI 10 s i, the exact sum he believed. It was originally proposed by some of the members of All faints’ congregation, but he had much satisfaction in informing Mr Grainger that the contributions had not been confined to that congregation, because many who habitually attended St Paul’s insisted, he might say, in contributing to the fund, which was intended to testify Hreir respect to Mr Grainger. All present were no doubt aware that it was to Mr Grainger’s exertions that the present state of All Saints was due. It was erected at an expense, including additions and repairs, of over LIBOO, and for a very considerable period the church was always in debt; but through Mr Grainger’s exertions it was not only got out of debt, but there was, to use a mercantile phrase, one hundred guineas to the good. After referring to Mr Grainger’s successful pastorate, and the activity displayed him in the performance of his ijfs Honor concluded by expressing his wishes i'lr Mr Grainger’s and his family’s future health and happiness, and expressed his hope to see him at a future time back to the field which he had honored and in which he had labored with so ranch advantage. Mr Hagoitt then presented the following address.

To the Rev. E. H. Grainger, M.A., Curate of All -Saints’ Church, Dunedin, Otago.—Dear Sir, —We, die Churchwardens and Vestry, on behalf of the parishioners of All Saints’Church, desire to express our sincere regret at your approaching departure from amongst us. During your residence in..Otagc, now exceeding a period of eight years/you have aiv/ays evinced an earnest desire to aid in every yrpvjs. haying f or its object the well-being of your parishioners and the advancement of the Church. It was chiefly through your exertions that All-Saints’ Church was, in the first instance, built, and when you consider that, at the time of its completion in its present state, the church was deeply in debt, it cannot but be a source of deep gratification to you, as it is to the parishioners, to fed that it is in a great measure owing to your perseveri-ig energy that the church is now, not only free flofu asb>, but in possession of a “balance to the good.*’ '”W,c yruct that the blessing of God will attend your 'labors j.u .the ministry in whatever part of the world you may choose for your future sphere of action.—(Signed by the Churchwardens and Vestrymen.) Mr Grainger made suitable replies.