VALEDICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 December 1940, Page 10

VALEDICTORY

ARCHDEACON T. J. SMITH. A social was held in Trinity Hall, last evening, when parishioners fareI welled Archdeacon T. J. and Mrs Smith, who are returning to Nelson. Archdeacon Smith has been temporarily in charge of Holy Trinity parish since the departure of Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn. Mr L. C. Lindley (people’s warden), who presided, said that the work of Archdeacon and Mrs Smith, during the past two months, had been appreciated. Mr I. Leach (vicar’s warden) said that the Archdeacon had given inspiring addresses, and the parish-, ioners were sorry he was leaving. If the Archdeacon had been 20 years younger, he could have been asked to become their vicar. They hoped that he would have bettpr health, to enable him to carry on his good work.

On behalf of the members of the vestry, Mr C. Neville said that the Archdeacon had endeared himself to the parishioners, while his wife had also done good work. Mr Neville extended thanks and best wishes.

Mrs F. A. Kitchingham, on behalf of the women of the congregation, also expressed regret at the departure of Archdeacon and Mrs Smith, and hoped that they would re-visit Greymouth. Mr Lindley presented the guests with an electric reading-lamp and a clock, as evidence of the esteem in which they were held in the district.

In the course of his reply, the Archdeacon said that they appreciated the kindness of the parishioners. They had made many friends in the Greymouth district, and he looked forward with pleasure to returning, when visiting his parishes. It had been' a great pleasure to be in the parish, and he had received his reward by the manner in which his work had been appreciated. He had not been able to make all the social.', calls he would have liked, as there were nearly 700 Anglican homes in the Greymouth district, and it would take one man approximately three years to visit them all. The new minister would require assistance in his work. He looked forward to the day when the Church would be the head and front of every Christian movement in the town. He asked the parishioners not to forget those on military duty overseas. Mrs Smith also returned thanks to the parishioners.

As previously announced, Rev. K. G. Aubrey, of Sydney, is to arrive at Greymouth on Thursday, to take charge of the parish until a permanent appointment is made.