FORT CHALMERS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 19005, 29 July 1925, Page 11

FORT CHALMERS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

RETIREMENT OF THE REV. W, M. GRANT Yesterday evening at Port Clialmcrs a pleasant social gathering was held in the Town Hall by members of the Congregational Church and other friends to mark the retirement from the pastorate of the Eev. W. M. Grant, who has been a well-known figure at Port Chalmers for many years past. A feature of the gathering was a presentation of a substantial cheque to Mr Grant, and this was done on behalf of the donors by the mayor (Mr T. Anderson), who expressed the pleasure it gave him to assist in recognising the value of old citizens. A number of tributes were paid Mr Grant by speakers, and those supplemented the principal speech .of the evening by Mr .1. H. Crawford, who has been a staunch supporter of the Congregational Church at Port Chalmers for many years. Mr Crawford said ho was privileged to speak on behalf of the church, but wished that some of the old stalwarts had boon there to do it. It was a severe ordeal to say good-bye to Mr Grant, who, on the previous Sunday, had completed fifty years of active work as a minister. Looking back on these long years what memories must unfold themselves to him! Of these fifty years, twentyseven of them had been spent in tho town in two periods. Ho first came to Port Chalmers in 1882.- Tho speaker was then a boy, but could remember him as one whoso personality drew the young to him, and that personality ho still possessed. Tho church prospered under his ministry, and a heavy debt which existed on Ins arrival- was all wiped off, and now that ho was leaving them they had the satisfaction of knowing that the church was still free from debt. In 1801 Mr Grant returned to Australia, and labored there until 1907. when he accepted another call to tlicir town, and of his work from that date until now they could only speak in the highest terms. Ho had endeared himself to old and young alike, and had been interested in every association connected with the church. Of a kind and sympathetic nature, lie" was called upon by many for advice and comfort, and yet bo was known as one having decided opinions ami not afraid to voice them in spite of strong opposition. They remembered with gratitude how, under all conditions, very often physically unlit, tie carried out work which many another would have shrunk from. Sir Grant bad well earned tho distinction of the “ grand i lil man of Port Chalmers.” Speaking of the presentation which tho mayor had the pleasure of handing over, he wished to publicly acknowledge the many letters received from ox-members from Auckland in the north to Invercargill in the south, with donations and expressions of gratitude and good wishes. Ho could not close without saying how much they realised the help given to Mr Grant by bis late resiled oil wife. They knew that she was the ideal lady of the manse, si good wife, a good mother, and a good friend, ever ready to help in any good work.

The Rev.. .1. M. Simpson (North Dunedin) said lie esteemed it an honor to express tho feelings of tho Presbyterian Church for Mr Grant, whose sympathy and patience had won for him an enviable place in the esteem o! the community.

Mr G. F. Booth, rector of the school, thanked Mr Grant for what lie had done for tho staff and for the pupils whom ho had taught Bible lessons every morning for fifteen years. Mr Grant, in returning thanks, said it was difficult to adequately express bis gratitude for tho kindness extended to ’dm during his many years in Port Chaiiners. Ho t,hanked them heartily.

A number of musical items were given by ..Miss Basire, Miss Doris Campbell, Miss Ruth Roll, Airs 11. Watson, Messrs G. C. Scott, W. Gcmmc.il. Booth, Latta, and Kettle. Mrs C. Nicolsou was accompanist. The, singing of the National Anthem concluded the mooting.