Presentation at Apiti.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 239, 14 April 1896, Page 2

Presentation at Apiti.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) The departure from our midst of the Rev. Mr Rich ar da has been one of the chief topics of conversation here of late, and, if anything were wanting to prove that gentleman's popularity, the meeting held iv the Wcsleyan Church on Wednesday last afforded ample proof. It is very seldom that so many residents of a district assemble to bid God-speed to their pastor as were present on that occasion, a number coming from a considerable distance, and I feel sure it must have been very gratifying to the reverend gentleman to find that his labors have been so much appreciated. It is not too much to say that his departure will leave a void that will be hard to fill. The meeting opened with the ringing of that well-known psalm " All people that on earth do dwell." Prayer having been offered by the Rev. Mr Richards, Mv Guy called upon Mr Vicary to take the chair. The Chairman eulogised the reverend gentleman's labors, and in a few well-chosen words explained the object of the meeting. A varied programme had been arranged, a number o£ selections by the choir being capitally rendered. Various solos, by different members of tie choir, were also well sung, and it was evident to those who were there for the first time that Apiti possesses vocalists of more than average ability. Very able assistance was rendered by Mr Grace with the violin, and that gentleman's singing with the choir was much appreciated, as was the solo which he rendered, and caused everyone .to regret that we do not oftener hear him. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs Miller and Guy. The Rev. T. R. Richards addressed the meeting on a number of subjects, which were listened to with deep attentiou, after which Mr Gascoigne was called upon by the Chairman to present the reverend gentleman with the following testimonial, " Reverend and Dear Sir. — We, the residents of Apiti, who form part of your charge, and who, for the past two years, have been under your spiritual supervision, having recently been apprised of the intention of your Conference to remove you from our midst, now take the privilege to express our sincerest regret at your departure. During your term of ministry with us, we have not failed to observe the conscientious mannner in which you have endeavored to discharge your every duty pertaining to our spiritual welfare, and the general prosperity of the circuit. We are fully conscious of the many difficulties with which you have had to contend, the more especially during the winter season^ when the days were short and the roads heavy for travelling. Yet, dear sir, we were always pleased to find that you were most regular in the fulfilment of all your appointments, when circumstances did not render such absolutely impossible. We desire likewise to bear testimony to the great amount of good which, as the result of your labors through God, has been accomplished in our midst. By the power of the truth, which you have ably and earnestly preached, some of whom we know are now rejoicing in the assurance of pardon and reconciliation to God, whilst believers have been edified, and the Church established in the faith. In this one thing, however, we are led to rejoice, namely, in your circuit b you will have greater opportunities for usefulness, and the exercise of those talents with which the Great Head of the Church has been pleased to endow and bless you. Whilst you depart from our midst, you remain in our memory and affectious, and oar earnest prayer is that you may long bo spared to carry on the great and good work in which you are now engaged." After presenting the testimonial to the reverend gentleman, Mr Gascoigne stated that he had still another duty to perform, one that had been thrust upon him by the members of the congregation, who subscribed among themselves something of a more substantial nature, and begged the reverend gentleman's acceptance of a purse of sovereigns, and in dojng so expressed the hope that increased duties at Palmerston would not prevent him (the reverend gentleman) paj r ing an occasional visit to Apiti, and the pleasure ib would give to hear of his advancement. The meeting closed in the usual manner.