CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 20586, 11 September 1930, Page 3

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

NEW MINISTER WELCOMED A welcome social was tendered to the Rev. James S. Smeeth at the United Congregational Church, King street, last night. There was a large gather, ing, presided over by Mr Joseph Abcrnethy, which included representatives from Moray Place, Port Chalmers, and llavensbournc Churches, besides the Ilcv. W. Grant, tho Ilev. E. 8. Tuckwell (representing tho Council of Christian Congregations), ,Mr .1. A. M'Call, tho Rev. G. Heighway, tho Rev. A. H, Wallace, Mr J. S. Douglas, and Air J. H. Wilkinson. The Chairman, on behalf of the church, extended to the Rev. Air Smeeth a warm welcome, and said he was convinced that tho new minister was destined to perform great work amongst them. Airs Smeeth and family and Air Smooth's mother were also the recipients of hearty messages of welcome. A large number of congratulatory messages from various parts of the dominion were read by Mr Wilkinson, who also endorsed tho chairman’s welcome. The Rev. G. Heighway, who had been minister of the church for twentyone years, emphasised the thought that there was no room in’ the church for “ honorary ” members—all must be workers. He believed the church was commencing a new era, and he had the greatest confidence in Mr Smeeth as the one to lead tho people. Tho Ilev. W. Grant, on behalf of the Congregational Union of New Zealand, the Port Chalmers and the Ravenshourno Churches, extended heartiest good wishes to the church upon tho selection of tho Rev. Smeeth. Mr J, A. M'Call, in conveying the goodwill of Moray Place Church, said Mr Smeeth would be a source ot strength not only to United Church but also to tho district. Tho Ilev. A. H. Wallace referred to the coming of Air Smeeth in the spring time, and said ho envied Air Smeeth the commencement of his ministry at a time in church history which might be regarded as spring time. Things were never more promising for religious work. Youth was on the side of the church, and it behoved tho men taking up the work io-day to take advantage of this. Ho wished to add his congratulations to church . and minister. ' ; The Rev. E. S. Tuck-well, in the name of the Council of Christian Congregations, welcomed Air Smeeth to the district, ami also conveyed the greetings of the Hanover Street Baptist Church. He hoped the church would encourage its minister to take a share in the valuable work which the Council of Christian Congregations undertook in the city. Air Smeeth, who was received with enthusiasm, said that if tho present weather was spring time lie might he apprehensive of the winter. He and his family had, however, already felt the warmth of the people’s welcome, commencing from the very cordial greeting at the station, which- they would never forget. He w r as sensible of the honour they had done him in call mg him to the pastorate. He thought it was wonderful Low the representatives of the sister churches had come to share in the welcome. He looked forward with eagerness to working together with them all. He thanked them most heartily for the warm welcome. An enjoyable progra mme of instrumental and vocal music and story was presented, the items being all received with, enthusiasm. Aliss A. Matheson sang a solo, Aliss Dora Wilson contributed a violin solo, Air W. Sinton two marimba solos, Air C. Oliver two pianoforte solos, Miss J. Gardiner a recitation, Airs D. E. Ewart, Aliss Hamilton, Air A. Walnisley, and Mr W. Iluffell a quartet, and the choir a trio of part songs. The accompaniments were played by Airs R. Wilson. Airs A. Alatheson, Aliss B. Harrison, and Mr Ron Abernethy. Supper was served by the ladies, and the meeting was terminated by the singing of the doxology.