HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 September 1928, Page 5

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

WELCOME TO NEW VICAR.

Accommodation in Holy Trinity Hall was fully taxed last night, when the parishioners ,of Holy Trinity Church met to tender a hearty welcome to their new vicar, Rev. J. A. Jermyn, and his wife. . During the evening a pleasant social programme was gone through, and Mr and° Mrs Jermyn were given the opportunity to meet those present. Proceedings were opened with the singing of the National Anthem. Items were given by Miss Maida Topliss, piano solo ; little Miss Jacqueline Reeves, a toe dance; Miss Vera Cooper, toe dance; Miss Daisy Marshall, humorous recitation; a pianoforte duet by Misses Smith; Miss Joy Ward, humorous recitation; Miss T. McDonald, song; Miss A. Airey, recitation; and Miss PForsyth, song. The accompanists were Misses Millar and Parfitt. Every item was heartily applauded. With Mr and Mrs Jermyn on the stage were Messrs G. D- Smart (chairman), W. R- J. Smythe, Leech, Revs. W. Bell, G. Barker, and Rev. G. E. and Mrs Brown. Apologies were received from Captain Searle, Rev. T. N. Cuttie, and Mr James. Mr Smart, in opening the ceremony of welcome to Mr and Mrs Jermyn, announced that with the exception of their guests, all speeches were to be limited, Air Smythe (church-warden) expressed great pleasure in welcoming Air Jermyn and his wife and family to the Greymouth parish. He explained that when it was decided to offer the vavancy to Air Jermyn, the decision was no plunge in the dark, since they had heard of that gentleman’s good reputation- Already people could feel that the choice had been a happy one. They all realised the big job he had to face when taking over the parish. There were many important questions to consider in the church’s future welfare, yet they were already sure that he would make the Church of England in Greymouth a worthy one. In extending a wecome on behalf of the parish, all hoped that Mr Jermyn’s sojourn would be happy. The Rev. G. E. .Brown, on behalf of the Alinisters’ Association, extended a cordial welcome to Air and Airs Jermyn, and promised that the vicar would find his brother ministers prepared to support his efforts in fare of the churches. He prayed that his term in Greymouth would be one of joy and gladness. Air Brown also extended a welcome on behalf of St. Paul’s Church. He explained that the two institutions had been connected since the days of the Rev. Samuel Alarsden’. . , Rev. G. Barker, of Ahaura, m a humorous speech, welcomed the new Holy Trinity vicar on behalf of the parochial districts of Brunnerton and Ahaura- They had all wondered what manner of man would be chosen to fulfil the important position of vicar of Holy Trinity, and he was pleased to see that the choice had been an excellent one.

On behalf of Cobden and Runanga people, the Rev. W. Bell also extended the heartiest of welcomes to the new vicar. He took the opportunity of thanking the English parishioners in Greymouth for many kindnesses during his temporary charge of HdTy Trinity. Mr Smart then introduced Rev. Mr and Mrs Jermyn, and announced that the embargo on long speeches had been lifted. A beautiful bouquet was presented to the guests by a little parishioner. Mr Jermyn thanked all for such a sincere welcome. He wished to open by voicing a couple of minor protests. In the first place (he objected to being called “Reverend,” which was as much a complimentary adjective as was “handsome,” and just as men objected to being labelled “handsome,” so did he object to “Reverend.” Secondly, ‘he thought that it .was wrong to call the church Trinity, the correct name was Holy Trinity Church, and he would like everyone to use that appellation. In humorous vein Mr Jermyn went on to express pleasure at the warm reception he had received in Greymouth. Westport people had told him that this town was acold place, but he had found it to be the opposite in all respects, and hoped that the enthusiasm shown by his new parishioners would remain “hot.” People had already been telling him of the difficulties which would beset him in his new charge, but he professed to be an optimist, and believed that a rubber ball bounces harder when harder hit. These difficulties then could be got over, if his people would face them v.ith him. He illustrated with a humorous little anecdote, that risks must be taken. He desired that people would give him time to consider the question, before asking him to make any move in connection with the rebuilding of the church. He did not want to make an incautious step, and would like to sum up the position. Above all, Mr Jermyn emphasised that everyone must work together 'People often worked against each other, yet for the same cause, not understanding what they were about.

All must push the same way. All were creatures of likes and dislikes. The Vicar explained some of his own particular foibles and prejudices, which must be overlooked for an ultimately higher end. There were bound to be people who 1 would require knowing well before being able to love them. But they must put aside party prejudices and work together. He would endeavour to do so and asked all to try and back him up. He promised impartiality in his ministry. He at all times conversed and met all classes of people. He professed no political ideas and would meet men regardless of particular creeds or their views on such subjects. Again, he wanted to see the church filled at services- He made a sincere appeal to all parishioners for their attendance. A point stressed by Air Jermyn was that the younger people must have a tender regard for the feelings of the old people, the pioneers of the church on the Coast, and must be sympathetic to all their views and hopes. These people whose labours of love had built up Holy Trinity deserved deepest consideration, and they must endeavour to emulate their good deeds, and as they have done, leave something worthy behind us. Already he felt that he would be readily given the cooperation necessary in his work. He thanked Alessrs Brown, Bell and Barker for the kind welcomes, and assured Mr Bell that he would be ever welcome in Holy Trinity parish. On matters of taste, he was quite easy, going, although, of course, he stood firm on some principles. All would find Airs Jermyn very approachable, and he was also glad that people had taken him at his word and met him informally on the street. In conclusion, he asked all for their sincere friendship and co-operation to make Holy Trinity Church worthy of our Lord and Master. Air Smythe announced that the Bishop would induct Mr Jermyn into his new charge on Thursday evening next, and that the ceremony would be interesting and important. All the congregation was invited to attend.