HAWERA BAPTIST CHURCH

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 2 September 1932, Page 6

HAWERA BAPTIST CHURCH

RETIRING PASTOR FAREAVELLED WELCOME, TO REA 7 . JOHN INGS. Members of the congregation of the Hawera Baptist Church and friends assembled in Hawera last evening to farewell the Rev. T. Keith Ewen on the eve of his retirement from the ministry and to welcome the new pastor, the Rev. John Ings. The church was beautifully decorated with bronze chrysanthemums and daffodils, and Mr. F. AY. Horner, as president of the Central Auxiliary of the Baptist Union with jurisdiction -over the AVellington, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki districts, occupied the chair. . Asj sociated with him were Mr. Ewen and Mr. Ings, the Rev. H. G. Goring, pastor -of the Ingestre Street Baptist Church in AYanganui, and the Rev E. S. Emmitt, minister of the Hawera Methodist Church and representative of the Hawera Ministers’ Association. In the congregation were the Rev. H, Curran, Adjutant H. McKenzie, and several other visitors.

The proceedings opened with prayer led by Mr. Ewen, after which the chairman referred to the circumstances in which Mr. Eiwen took up his residence m Hawera. Mr. Ewen came iri a relieving capacity for three months: but endeared himself in the hearts of the people so much that ho remained for approximately two years. “This is his second attempt to retire from the ministry,” said Mr. Horner, “and it ii with deep regret that we have to say farewell. We sincerely appreciate his services, and when he leaves Hawera if he ever does, he will carry with hini our very best wishes.” (Applause.) The feeling of regret at the departure of Mr. Ewen, however, was tempered somewhat by the thought that Mr lugs would be his successor. Tlu& chairman continued that lie had been taught as a. boy in Sunday school b\ Mr. Ings and association with one oi such high character had left an impression on his life. After his call to the ministry in South Dunedin Air Ings took up mission work in India, where he spent 23 years until a breakdown in health brought about his removal to Adelaide (Australia) for three years. He returned to New Zealand and had given service in various parts during the past 10 years until settling in Auckland as pastor of Royal Oak Baptist Church. “By inviting Mr. Ings to Hawera,” said Mr. Homer, “this church is receiving the services of one who has a very wide and varied experience and who is held in the very highest esteem.” Turning to Mr. Ings the chairman said that in Hawera he would find a group of loyal and en 7 tliusiastie members of the Baptist Church and a large-hearted community. The Hawera church had been formed only within the last 10 years and during that period it had been possible to erect a fine building ill which to worship and promote social intercourse. Between 60 and 70 members had passed through the church and in their several spheres were show-

iug the value of their training aud influence on their lives and work of the Christian gospel. “Hail and farewell —hail to Mr. Ings and farewell to Mr. Ewen,” said Mr. Emmitt, addressing the congregation -on behalf of the ministers. “AA r e are a happy family,” lie 'continued, for if we differ in theology and church loyalties we are bound by fellowship and brotherhood.” - In advancing to Mr. Ings the “right hand of fellowship” the speaker said that Mr. Ings would require to exercise three qualities—persistence, power and patience. Correspondence was read from the president of the New Zealand Baptist Union and the Rev. AA 7 . P. Lascelles, general secretary, expressing appreciation of Mr. Ewen’s services, and from the congregation of Royal Oak Church conveying greetings and good wishes to Mr. Ings on assuming charge of his new pastorate.

On behalf of the Baptist churches ill AA’anganui Mr. Goring extended a warm welcome to Mr. Ings and expressed the hope that, his stay in Hawera would be full of the richest blessings. Tribute was paid to the work of the late Rev. AA'. Ings, father of Mr. John Ings, and the speaker also paid tribute to the devotion of Mr. Ewen in the service of the church.

Mrs. A. K. North, as president of the Baptist AA r omen’s Missionary Union, said the congregation in Hawera had been fortunate in retaining the services of Mr Ewen.' He had endeared himself to everyone and it was saddening to see him depart. Mingled with sorrow, however, was the joy of welcoming Mr Ings and -particularly Mrs Ings and their daughter. Both had an- important role to fill m the life of the church and she hoped that many happy days were ahead.

Mr J. Gabbie spoke on behalf of 'the Sunday School and said that the scholars and teachers regretted Mr Ewen’s departure from the'ir midst and turned to Mr Ings for leadership and inspiration. On behalf of the congregation Mr J. H. Fletcher voiced appreciation of the services rendered by Mr Ewen and recalled that he first made Mr Ewen’s acquaintance in Wellington some 30 years ag-o. The late Mrs Ewen also endeared herself to the people arid would be remembered by many older Wellington residents for her teaching of the gospel from the pulpit, not only of the Baptist Church, but from the pulpits of many other churches. Mr Fletcher handed to Mr Ewen an envelope ■ with a cheque enclosed as a small token of esteem and appreciation. Mr Ewen responded and returned thanks for the expressions of goodwill and regard for his future. It had been a joy to serve the people of Hawera ancl in calling Mr Ings to the pastorate they had a man of strong character ancl the highest principles. “I can only hope and pray that the Hawera Baptist Church under the guidance of Mr Ings will be ‘as a city sat upon a hill which Cannot be hid,” quoted the speaker in concluding his remarks.

Mr Ings also returned thanks to the speakers and the congregation for their enthusiastic welcome to Mrs Ings, Miss Ings and himself. During the evening vocal solos were contributed by Miss Olga Hancock and Mr Harold Ackroyd, the pianoforte accompaniments being played by Mrs F. KendallThe formal ceremony was concluded by Mr Ings, who pronounced the Benediction, and the ladies of the church served supper. The opportunity was taken of bidding farewell to Mr and Mrs S. White, who arc removing from ' Hawera to Stratford, after three and a half years’ residence in Hawera.