CHURCH AFFAIRS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 38, 3 April 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

CHURCH AFFAIRS.

PAPAKURA METHODISTS. FAREWELL TO HEY. .1. F. MARTIN. The transfer of the Rev. .1. F. Martin from Papakura to .lohnsonville, has been the occasion of a series of farewell meetings throughout- the Papakura Circuit. The first of these was at Manurewa when the circuit farewell toolc place. The church was well filled with members from all parts of the district and a very enthusiastic meeting was the result. Mr A. C. Sexton, the senior circuit steward, presided, and detailed some of the worlc accomplished by Mr Martin, especially mentioning the Griffin Memorial Hall at Homai as a practical evidence of his stay among the people. Mr S. Evans, the other circuit steward, spoke for the Papakura end and mentioned the comradeship of the ' departing minister, especially in the time of trouble. Mr R. Wilson represented Win" and expressed ttieir sorrow at the breaking of the ties and trusted that the Martin family would have a prosperous period in their new circuit. Mr V. ITyndman was the speaker on behalf of Homai. and he voiced the affection of the Homai folk for Mr Martin. thanking him for the work done in the securing of the Mission hall. Mrs Cox, on behalf of the Manurewa Ladies' Guild, presented Mrs Martin with a beautiful piece of china, Mrs Martin -feelingly replying. Then Mr Martin reviewed briefly his three years' work here. He said he was sorry that owing to certain circumstances he was not able to stay another year, but bespoke for his successor, the Rev. Walter Parker, their sympathy and help. The ladies handed round a dainty supper. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed items: Mesdames Butterworth. Baulf. Lever. Miss Finlay, Messrs Beggs. Constable. Craig and T. C. Sea ton.

j Tlie Papakura Methodist Young I People's Club also gave an evening to j Mr and Mrs Martin and family. There I were over 70 present and a jolly eveni ing was spent. Presentations of suitable books were made to Miss Nancy Martin and the Rev. J. F. Mari tin. Miss Edna Williamson spoke for I the girls and Messrs Kemp and Milliken for the boys. Miss Nancy Mar- | tin in humorous vein thanked the I young people for their present and Mr . Martin, in expressing his thanks, said | be felt some definite advance bad been j made with the young people. He and i Mr Baulf had started with some fears I and the first session was not the. suoi cess they (the promoters) had wished. ! hut from then on the club had moved I ahead and from the members he ask- * ed for their support to the Rev. W. ■ Parker. The evening closed with the : Bible class chorus and cheers 'for Mr i and Mrs and Miss Martin. Items were | given by Misses Martin. .Tamieson, I Messrs Constable. Ballard and A. Kit--1 son.

QUARTERLY MEETING. I The quarterly board meeting of the Papakura Methodist Circuit was held at Manurewa. the Rev. J. P. Martin I presiding for the last time. There ! was a full attendance of members. The, j reports were read and shewed a steady ! advance. "The membership roll now ! stands at 152. The financial position was better this quarter, the collections for the quarter showing a slight increase. The meeting was then adjourned "sine die" to arrange for the nvrival of the new superintendent, the Rev. Walter Parker.