MINISTER WELCOMED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 23 November 1927, Page 6

MINISTER WELCOMED.

HAWERA BAPTIST CHURCH. REV. R). I/. FURSDON. There was a large representative attendance at the Scouts’ Hall last night when the Rev. R. L. Fursdon was welcomed as minister to the Hawera Baptist Church. Mr. F. W. Horner presided and there were with him on the platform: Principal North (of the New Zealand Baptist College), Rev. H. W. Monaghan (representing the other elm re lies), and the Rev. F. W. Parry (of the New Plymouth Baptist Church). After worship- the chairman outlined the -steps that led to the unanimous call being sent to the Rev. R. L. Fursdon. He intimated that the new church building, for which substantial funds were in hand, would.be begun early in the new year, and he anticipated growth in numbers and in influence under the new leadership. Tiie Rev. H. W. Monaghan, quoting the memorable words of the Lambeth Appeal concerning the Christian standing of all those who worshipped Christ and were baptised into His name declared his joy at the great rapprochement of the Protestant c-hurches ami paid tribute to the spirit of brotherhood prevalent in Hawera. The Rev. F. W. Parry in a very bright speech recalled the earlier associations with the new minister and from his knowledge of his qualities, prophesied success in Ills work. Principal North, under whom Rev. Fursdon had just completed his studies, emphasised the obligations of cliaritv and of service lying upon the minister of Christ. ■ The Baptist people represented (they believed) an important interpretation. of the faith. To that a minister must be loyal, but loyalty carried with it a grave recognition of the sincerity of other points of view. • The main task was to capture the irreligious for Christ and to life that is life indeed. In his response Mr. Fursdon- made a very favourable impression. He likened his preparations in England for work in Kitchener’s Army to his recent college career. He was now facing his task. He was glad it was hard. He asked no soft job. He proposed to put all there was of him into his church audits work. During the evening very effective - solas were rendered by Mrs. Bryant and Mr. C. Lamb, and a recitation was finely spoken by Miss Lynda Bullock. Aeeomo-animents were played by Mrs. L. A. Taylor.