FAITHFUL PARISH PRIEST

Evening Star, Issue 22273, 26 February 1936, Page 5

FAITHFUL PARISH PRIEST

ST. KILDA VICAR RETIRING WARM FAREWELL TO REV. A. WINGFIELD Indicative of his popularity as vicar of the Holy Cross Anglican Church at St. Kilda for the past 18 years and also of their appreciation of his services and regret at his pending departure on retirement to reside in Wellington, about 250 parishioners and friends attended the farewell social tendered the Rev. A. Wingfield in the Coronation Hall last night. It was a warm, homely function, at which several speakers paid tribute to Mr Wingfield’s successful ministry and wished him, his wife (who was absent on medical advice), and daughter (Miss Violet Wingfield) every happiness in their new home. Among several apologies for absence was one from Bishop Fitchett, wishing Mr and Mrs Wingfield success and long life in their retirement. The regret of the parishioners that Mr Wingfield's term of service was ended was expressed by Mr P. J. Priest (vicar’s warden). He congratulated Mr Wingfield on his excellent accomplishments, and said it had ever been a pleasure to serve under him. Mr Wingfield had originally come from Gore, from where curiously enough his successor (Mr C. E. P. Webb) was to be drawn. It was not until 12 years after Mr Wingfield’s arrival in St. Kilda that it was declared a parish. At first there had been no vicarage, no Sunday school, and no clubs or organisations connected with the church. These additions bore witness to the untiring efforts of Mr Wingfield and his willing church servants during his connection with the parish, and the thanks of all were due to these. Iff common with other churches, they had suffered during the depression, aind • the vicar particularly had experienced a strenuous time, reflected in his recent indifferent health. His friends trusted that in his retirement his health would soon be restored, and that he would have pleasant recollections of the days he spent in St. Kilda. On the bishop’s behalf, Dean Crmckshank thanked Mr Wingfield in the name of the diocese of- Dunedin for all he had done- during his ministry and for his helpful and loyal services to the parish. To spend 18 years in one place and remain fresh at one’s work was not demanded of everyone, and he congratulated Mr Wingfield on the success achieved by him in his parish. The presence of so many persons at his farewell function betokened the respect and warm feeling they had toward him. He had been a faithful parish, priest, and that was all they had asked of him. For his loyal port he was to be thanked, and he would surely be missed as much by his associates in the Dunedin Clerical Society, of which he had been secretary for-many years, as by his congregation. It must be a happy thought to realise one was retiring from active service knowing one had earned honour and benefit from the work of the ministry. No longer, would duty prevent Mr Wingfield from exploiting desirable avenues of investigation, previously closed to him because of his parish work, and thus retirement might be spent enjoyably and profitably. The" Deputy Mayor of St. Kilda (Or George Glue) spoke in appreciation of Mr Wingfield’s assistance to, the local Relief Committee and also to the Musselburgh, School, where he had conducted devotional services for many years past. His help;'would be greatly missed in, these, as well as his principal clerical activities, Cr Glue added. As the oldest parishioner, in age as well as in service, Mr D. Harris Hastings traced the history of the parish from its humble beginnings, and referred to Mr Wingfield as the cornerstone of its development. His work had been eminently -successful, and he would always retain the respect, good wishes, and love of all who had worshipped in the Holy Cross Church, Mr Hastings said. The parishioners would miss him and the members of his family, to whom they extended best wishes for health and prosperity for many years to come. Other, speakers, who paid tribute to Mr Wingfield as a man and friend and one of the kindest-hearted persons it had been their privilege to meet, were Archdeacon Whitehead and the Revs. W. Scott Allen. T. Skuse, G. L. Taylor, and F. Vivian Fisher. - ■ A presentation from the parishioners of a handsome illuminated address and a wallet of notes' was then made to Mr Wingfield by Mr Priest, who also asked him to accept for his wife and daughter email tokens of appreciation from the girls’ club, of which Mrs Wingfield had been president and one of its most ardent supporters -since its inception 10 years ago. It was added that there was a special significance attached to the illuminated address, in that it was painted by one of the .vestrymen, Mr A. Dunstan. As the presentation was made, those present rose and sang 1 For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.’ In reply, Mr Wingfield corrected a ; false impression that he was retiring because of ill-health. He declared that he was fit to carry on with his work, but ho had had many long years of service, both in Now Zealand and in Australia, and was desirous of a rest to permit someone else to continue the work he had been privileged to start. It had been-in response to a late night telephone call from the Rev. V. G. Bryan King that he had applied for and been appointed to the parochial district of St. Kilda 18 years ago. Work in the parish had been difficult, because it began with a debt of £5(10 on tlie church ami grounds, without vicarage or a site for one. or even any money in hand All through the years he had worked in perfect harmony with the church wardens, and to-day they possessed a well-equipped church, fit for them to visit for quiet and reverent worship. He knew his successor (Mr Webb), and he would be greatly surprised if the church did not progress under his guidance. Thanking the parishioners for their gifts, which, he said, conveyed a sentiment deeply appreciated by him, Mr Wingfield felt that he could not adequately express all that was in his heart. He regretted his wife’s absence on medical advice, as to her he owed much for sincere and loving help in times of adversity, and he wished that =he could have heard all the kindnesses and best wishes expressed toward her and himself. She had been connected with the girls’ club, guild, Mothers’ Union, and other organisations inseparable from a parish, and in all her work had been of great assistance. In leaving St. Kilda, they felt they were leaving good friends, but there were family ties in Wellington, and he expressed the hope that his friends visiting Wellington would not forget to visit him. Supper was served at the termination of the formal speeches, following which an enjoyable social hour was passed, permitting those present to take their personal farewells of Mr, Mrs. and Miss Wingfield. Items were contributed during the evening by Mrs H. Belcher, Misses I. j Clark, and Joyce Cardno. Mr D. Tavendale (songs), and Miss N. Smith (red-1 tation). ■ > ■ J