POPULAR VICAR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1935, Page 6

POPULAR VICAR

ItliV. (mints’ INDUCTION CHRISTCHItItCH, July 11. The Rev. E. A. Osmers, the new vicar of St. Paul’s Church, Papanui, and formerly of Ross, was inducted into his new parish last evening by the Bishop of Christchurch, the Rt. Rev. C.' AVest-Watson. There was < a large attendance' of parishioners'. Assisting Bishop West-Watson in the ceremony were the Very Rev. Dean Julius and the Rev. A. I\. Warren.

In appealing to the parishioners to give the new vicar their confidence and support, Bishop West-Watson referred to the great hold which the former vicar, the Rev. W. H. uiTit'TT, had had on the hearts of the people. He spake of the conservatism that existed in. all parishes, and asked that Mr Osmers be given every opportunity to learn the sacred memories and traditions of his new parish, in order that lie might make his own place in the affection and esteem of his people. The-bishop also referred to the'wide experience which Mrs Osmers had had in youth work in the province of New Zealand, and concluded by asking God’s blessing on the parish that its growth and spiritual development might be encouraged. 'After the service Mr and Mrs Osmers were entertained at supper where they were welcomed by individual parishioners and leadi?rs of church activities in the parish.

METHVEN PARISH FAREWELL ASHBURTON, July 9. More than 500 people gathered to say. goodbye to the Rev, E. A. Osmers an'doMrs Osmers, prior to their departure^for Papanui. Mr W- C. Battscn sppke on behalf of the parishioners. Mr Osmers’ work in all its aspects had been an inspiration to everyone. He concluded by expressing appreciation of the work of Mrs Osmers.

Mr H. E. Richards (vicar’s warden), on behalf of the vestry, spoke of the help they had received from the vicar and nis wife. ■

Mr Stanley Smith (lay reader), in endorsing the previous speaker’s remarks, said it had been a work of joy to assist the vicar in his labours.

Archdeacon A. J. Petrie, Ashburton, apologised for the non-attendance of Bishop West-Watson, and spoke of cordial relationship between Mf and Mrs Osmers arid other member of the clergy of the Ashburton district. He urged the parisnioners to carry on the excellent foundation their departing vicar had laid more particularly in trie interval between the departure qf Mr Osmers and the appointment of; a new vicar. , . -.-

Mr A. N. Grigg (Surrey Hills); adding his tribute, spoke of Mr Osmers’ work in that district when the two parishes were under his direction.

The Rev. Father W. Price thanked the organisers of. the function for allowing him to acknowledge his deep appreciation of the work Mr Osmers had done, not only for his own people lint for all sections of the community. For the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Richard Morgan said lie regretted the departure of the guests, and the Rev. Mr Mills spoke on behalf of the Methodist congregation.

i„r Bremer present Mrs Osmers with a suede leather photograph album from the girls’ Bible class, and a handsome Westminster chiming clock From the community. To Mr Osmers lie presended a solid oak study chair, suitably inscribed, half a dozen oak din-ing-room chairs, and a tricycle for his son.

Mr Osmers thanked the gathering for their presents. He emphasised that although he had lieen much interested in sport, his duty was first and foremost to the church and his. parish'iohi ers. He thanked the parishioners for their co-operation.