N.E. VALLEY PRESBYTERIANS

Evening Star, Issue 21285, 14 December 1932, Page 2

N.E. VALLEY PRESBYTERIANS

BIBLE CLASS REUNION In connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the North-east Valley Presbyterian Church, a reunion banquet for past and present Bible class members was held in the Young Men’s Institute last evening. The large gathering fully appreciated the opportunity of renewing old friendships, while the old photographs served to recall the happy times spent in camp, in conference, and at class. The tables were tastefully arranged, while the hall, thanks to Miss Turner and her assistants, was beautifully decorated. Mr ,S. It. M‘Laron presided, and cordially welcomed past members. Greetings were read from past leaders and members, many of whom now occupy prominent positions in church and State, one indeed being a Minister of the Crown. Miss M. Jamieson, Mesdames _ Houston and Stevens, and Messrs Mitchell and Morrison contributed interesting reminiscences of the past, some of the incidents causing much amusement. Miss S. Martin, in proposing the toast, “ Past Leaders and Members,” referred to the loyalty shown by past members to the class, and stated that it had always been found that those who gave themselves whole-heartedly to the work of the class received the most benefit. The present had fallen heirs to the glorious heritage of the past. The past had flung on the flaming torch of life, and it was her hope that the lighted torch would be borne onward to a. still more glorious future. The response was in the hands of Mr G. Manson, who recounted how much the class had meant to him, and .what it would mean to every member if he or she was prepared to give rather than to get. Ho was sure that the traditions of the past wouldv be worthily upheld. Mr Jt JBrown proposed the toast, ‘‘-The Bible Class and the Movement.” He eulqgqised the North-east Valley classes for the fine work they had done. The class had always been alert to extend Christ’s Kingdom, and had taken a keen interest in missionary enterprise. He referred to the prominent positions held by past members, and stated that the class had always been closely identified with the movement, a large number .of past, and present members having held executive positions in both District Committee and union. In responding oh, behalf of the class, Mr J. M‘K. Miller gave an assurance that the classes would maintain the best traditions of the past, and would endeavour to build Up new and worthy traditions to hand on to future generations. Mr R. H. Gardner, district president, in responding on behalf of the movement, expressed best wishes for the continued success of the work. He made reference to the part the classes had played in the life of the movement, and hoped that they would continue _to interest themselves in union activities and help the movement to increase its influence for good among the youth of the nation. Mr J. Reekie (recitation), Mr Lionel Benjamin (solo). Miss D. H. Moss (solo), and Mr L. Stewart (solo) contributed items which were much enjoyed by everyone. Mrs D. S. Beath, as the oldest member (1890), qj.it the birthday cake, which was presented by Mrs Houston. Mrs G. Miller lit the candles, each of which represented a past leader. The Rev. G. Miller, in blowing out the candles, stated that, although the class did not now benefit from the light of the presence of past leaders, their influence would be as a shining and unquenchable light that would ever beckon men on to the light of the knowledge of the fuller life lived in Christ. A very happy evening concluded with the singing of ‘ Blest Be the Tie That Binds,’ and family worship conducted by Sister Jean, a past leader.

P.W.M.U. The North-east Valley branch of the P.W.M.U. held a reunion in tho institute on Monday evening. There were about 100 present, including many old members, some from, as far north as Auckland and others from Southland. The visitors were received by the president (Mrs Miller) and tho secretary (Miss Ross). After the evening hymn and a prayer of thanksgiving the guests were welcomed by Mesdames Beath and Smith, vice-presidents. Greetings from the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union and letters from well-wishers in various parts of New Zealand were read. Sister Jean, secretary of the Presbyterian Association, gave a brief but mtercsting account of the work of the P.W.M.U. since its inception, tracing its growth from a very small beginning to what it was at present, embracing activities not only in the foreign fed, but in Maori and home fields, especially referring to the Maori Mission Birthday League and the Women’s Beneficiary Fund. The aim of the P.W.M.U. was fourfold —prayer, mission study, work, and giving, the most important being prayer. Humorous reminiscences were given by several of the older members, and solos were rendered by Mesdames Grace, Norton, and Phillips. During tho evening opportunity was taken to do honour to the secretary (Miss A. M. Ross), who had carried on the work most capably for many years. Mrs Miller, on behalf of the members, presented Miss Ross with a leather writing case and a bouquet of roses. In the thirtv-six years of P.W.M.U. work in North-east Valley there have been only two secretaries, Miss Ross’s mother being the first. Supper was then served, ami the birthday cake was cut. After the singing of a hymn, family worship was conducted by Mesdames Booth, Kirkwood, and Miller, and an enjoyable evening was brought to a close.