Farewell to the Rev. A. Hermon

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 24, 28 July 1893, Page 2

Farewell to the Rev. A. Hermon

A most enjoyable social was held in the Assembly Booms last evening, when a large number of the parishoners of St. John's Parish, and others, met to bid fare* well to the Key. Arthur and Mrs Hermon on the eve of their departure for England. The hall was decorated with evergreens, and on the stage a banner was hang with the inscription " Farewell to our Pastor and his model help-mate, may the blessings of Him they serve follow them." It may here be mentioned that at half-past four in the afternoon a few ladies of the parish met at the Assembly Booms, and presented Mrs Hermon with a very handsome gift in the shape of a workbox and writing desk combined, made ofatotara, knot. "When handing Mrs Hermon the gift Mrs Bray made (he following neat little speech : "My dear Mrs Hermon, it is with great pleasure that I present to you this workbox (which is made of New Zealand wood) as a token of the high esteem and affection which is held for you by the ladies of St John's Church. And I feel sure we shall always look back with pleasure when we call to mind the happy and profitable times we had with you. We feel thankful for the good example which you have always set us, and I sincerely hope we shall be benefitted by the consistent and good life which you have daily led. We earnestly hope that it may be God's will to give you a safe and enjoyable trip Home, and that God will bless you and yours by giving you a life of health and prosperity wherever your lot may be cast." Mrs Hermon, who was quite taken by I surprise, replied in a few well-chosen words, and said she was quite unable to express the feelings in her heart. Little Miss Gladys Holden then presented a very pretty bouquet of flowers to Mrs Hermon. Shortly after 8 o'clock, Mr Haybittle's string band opened the proceedings by rendering an introductory piece, •• Rosedale," which was brilliantly played and well received. Mr Keade then followed'with the song "The Blue Alsatian Mountains," which be sang in a very creditable manner. A nice song was sung by Mrs J. C. Hill, •• Three Fishers went Sailing," which was given in a pleasing style. A pianotorte duet, 4< Ckilperick," was nicely played by Mrs Lundins and Miss Yogan, and well applauded. Mrs Audrey was heard to advantage in the song " When Swallows Homeward Fly," which was followed by a duet, " The Elfin Bower," by the Misses Roe, whose voices blended very nicely indeed. The first part of the programme was concluded by Mrs Beade singing a very pretty song •• Safe from the Storm," for which she was deservedly applauded. After a short interval, the members of the vestry, Messrs Bray, Nicholas, Suerwill, and Saxon, assembled on the stage with Mr Hermon to present him with a purse of. sovereigns. Mr liray, who made the presentation, addressed the audience as follows: — "Ladies and Gentlemen, — I have much pleasure in presenting the Rev. Arthur Hermon with this purse of sovereigns, which the parishioners of this district have banded to me for that purpose, as a small token of the high esteem and respect in which he is held by the parishioners of the district. He has laboured amongst us for tbe past six jears, and during that time he has done a great deal for the church, and, I truat, for us ; and I am sure he has given every satisfaction, and done his duty to his Master and the people as a minister of the Gospel. He has taught us bj precept and example to walk uprightly and justly before God and man, and for this, sir (turning to the Rev Hermon), we have not, nor can we, adequately reward you, but we trust that the Giver of all good gifts will reward you, and bless you wherever you may be. We regret deeply, sir, you leaving us, but you have told us that you feel that it is your duty to go Home, and this means there w no alternative. We must submit, and I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without mentioning that when Mr Hermon came amongst us there was a debt of £400 on the church, but now, I am happy to say. that is all paid off, and we are free. 1 now present you with this small token to show the high esteem and respect in which you are held by the people of this district. I vrish you a pleasant passage Home* long life and happiness, and may God bless you and be with you in all your undertakings." Mr Hermon, who was visibly and deeply affected, said he could not find words in which to give effect to his feelings, but he wished to convey his heartfelt tbanks to the people for the handsome gift they had just given him. Mrs Hermon had asked him to thank the ladies for their kindness, as she was quite unable to do so, but he found himself very little better off. However, he might say that tbe ladies of his congregation had nearly killed bis wife that afternoon with their kindness, and good wishes, and he could assure them that they both feel it most deeply. With regard to Mr Bray's remarks as to bis having done some good and his duty, he hoped he had ; and if he had been able to do anything for the ohurch and the people in this district, to God be all the glory. He would again thank them very much, and he could assure them that in whatever place it should please God to call him, he would ever have an evergreen spot in his heart for the Feilding Church and its people, and he prayed that God would always bless them, and their future Pastor. Refreshments were then handed round amongst the audience, who evidently appreciated the good things which were provided by the ladies of the parish. While the refreshing process was going on the second part of the programme was commenced, Mr Haybittle's Band giving two selections " Noonday " and " Merry Maids "in capital style. The next item was a duet " The Sailor Sighs " which was well rendered by Mr and Mrs Beade, and much appreciated. Miss E. Bellve then followed with that pretty little song " The Golden Shore " Which she sang very nicely. Mrs Holden and Miss Goodbehero pleased the audience very much with a pianoforte duet, after which Miss Knowles followed with that familiar song " The Fisherman and his Child." This was rendered very sweetly, Mies C. Knowles, who accompanied her on the piano, joining in the latter part of each verse. Mrs Lundius delighted those present with her song •' In our Wherry," which was well sung and applauded. The accompaniments during the evening were played by Mesdames Holden and Lundius, and the Misses Bellve and Boe. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem, and, as the people passed out of the hall, Mr and Mrs Hermon stood near and wished them all good bye. Tbe total takings were £15, and this should leave a balance of fully £10 to go to the General Church Fund.