COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

Evening Star, Issue 12585, 17 August 1905, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

In lie South Dunedin Presbyterian Church last evening there was an enthusiastic gathering of those desirous of doing honor to Mr George Redd, who for over twenty-five years has been superintendent of the Sabbath School, and who, owing to increasing weight of years, has thought it wise to give place to a younger man. A congratulatory letter was read from -Mr W. A Thomson, of Alexandra, giving an account of the good work done by Mr Reid in that place thirty-eight years ago, before he came to Dunedin. The Sev. E. Madbe, minister o£ the congregation, who presided, made reference to the earlier history of the church, and to those who had labored in laying the foundations. Mr Reid was formally elected superintendent in March, 1880, and was connected with the church and Sunday School before that date. Alter several musical items, and an excellent address by Sister Mildred on ‘The Relation of the Teacher to the Claes ’ had been given, the Chairman, on behalf of the congregation, and amid much enthusiasm, presented Mr Reid with a cosy easy chair, and on behalf of the beaching staff with an illuminated address, tie work of Mr W. T. Mil ward, which ran as follows: As members of your Sunday school staff, we wish to express our deep sympathy with you on the occasion of year resignation, although we rejoice that you have been spared to labor so long and so faithfully in the service of our Heavenly Master. It is with deepest gratitude that we recognise with what self-' 1 sacrifice and devotion you have conducted our Sunday school for the last twenty-five years. The noble example you have set before us of unflagging attention to duty most ever influence all who have been privileged to serve under your leadership. Although the burden of years makes it impossible for you to continue longer as onr superintendent, we know that voar heart is still in the work, and we hope that for many years you may be spared to enrich us by your prayerful sympathy. The signatures of thirty-four teachers are attached. The Chairman also read the following extracts from the minutes of session:— The Session, in accepting the resignation of Mr Geo. Reid os superintendent of the Sabbath school, which position he has hold for upwards of twenty-five years, regrets that the increasing weight of years has led him to feel this step necessary. The supervision of such a large school, and the necessary attention to numerous details connected with such a

work—a heavy tax upon strength at any time—must have been a severe strain of late upon one of Mr Reid’s advanced years. Only one possessed of a robust constitution and of well-formed habits of systematic work could have maintained his efficiency so long, and only one inspired with great love and zeal for the Master’s work would have oared to continue in such a meting service at a time of life when most men justly seek some repose. Mr Reid has seen the school grow under ban, and a goodly number of the children of former pupils have come under his superintendence. Many of his pupils die now teachers, many tilling honored positions in church work here and elsewhere. It has been of great advantage not only to the congregation of South Dunedin, but to other organisations as well, that Mr Reid, when circumstances permitted him to retire from the duties of his secular calling, gave practically his whole time to Christian work. While regretting the necessity for Mr Reid's retirement from the duties of superintendent, the Session joins with him in thanksgiving to God for'the long opportunity for service given and for evidences of the Divine seal upon bis work; it rejoices in the prospect of still having the benefit of his mature experience and great zeal in other branches of church work; it trusts that the relief now afforded him may add many years to his already long life; and that he may have a peaceful, blessed, joyous evening time. Mr Reid, in reply, thanked the congregation and the teachers most heartily for their presents and for the kind; things said of him. He said that, looking back on the past, he felt humiliated that he had- been able td do so little, and concluded by offering a few words of counsel in regard to the future welfare of the school. After tea supplied by the ladies of the congregation, short speeches were delivered by Mr Duncan Wright and Mr Wiliam Inga, old friends of Mr Reid, and associates with’ him for many years in work among the young. Mr Andrew Brownlie, who succeeds Mr Reid as superintendent, was introduced by the chairman, and was enthusiastically received. During the evening two anthems were rendered by the choir, under the direction of Mr Murker, and eolos by Messrs Muster aiyt Ronciman and by Misses Roes and Fiddis added to the evening’s enjoyment. Miss F. Qten accompanied on the piano.