RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17038, 13 December 1915, Page 11

RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

DEPARTURE OF REV T. MILLER

PRESENTATION OF PURSE OF

SOVEREIGNS

The Rev T. Miller, having accepted a call from the, Fei'.ding Presbyterian congregation, severed his connection with the Rangiora charge yesterday. On Friday evening the congregations of Rangiora, Loburn and Whiterock gathered at the Oddfellows' Hall to wisli Mr and Mrs Miller God speed. The room was crowded, and the Re/ Dr Irwin, ad interim moderator of the charge, presided. The Revs F. P. Fendall (Anglican Church) and W. Wdls (Methodist), Pastor F. T. Jones (Baptist) and' Captain Charker. of the Salvation Army, voiced their warm regard for Mr Miller. Each bore testimony to his zeal and his work, and to his high ideals as a Christian minister. Speaking for their congregations, thpy wished both Mr and Mrs Miiler happiness and success in their new sphere of labour. The Rev A. Lai.sliley, of the Kaiapoi Presbyterian Church, referred to the happy relations that had existed between Air Aliller and himself as neighbours, and conveyed, the good wishes of the Kaiapoi congregation for Air and Airs Aliller's future.

The Hon D. Bndd'o, speaking for tho congregation, expressed the keen regret felt at Mr Miller's departure. He said tliat the most pleasant relations had ever been manifested between pastor and people during Mr Miller's t'oiir and a half years' term as minister in charge. Mr and Mrs Miller carried with them the sincerest Rood wishes for their future. On behalf of the three congregations in the charge Mr Bnddo presented Mr Miller with a purse or sovereigns, as a tangible proof of their goodwill. Mr W. Cunninglnm, on behalf of the ladies, presenter a cake stand to Mrs Miller, and wished ltev the greatest happiness and many blessings in her new ho'ne. The Rev T. Miller, in acknowledgment, thanked his brother ministers for their friendship, and Mr Bnddo for the kind sentiments he had expressed with regard to Mrs Miller and himself, with tho deepest sincerity Jicthanked the people for their loyalty, kindness, generosity and love during his ministry. It had been a great joy and pleasure to him to have lived and worked for nearly five years amongst the people with whom there existed such a bond of friendliness and esteem. Referring to his call to Feilding, he said that it was not of his seeking, and the circumstances surrounding it indicated that the guiding hand' of God was %\i it. The addresses were interspersed by anthems by the church choir, in whic'i tho solos were taken by Mrs B. Trollope and Mr I>. Anderson, and by musical items by Mesdames W. M'Gruer, T. R. Cresswell and H. Chappell, Miss Jean Dalziell and Mr Anderson, a musical monologue by Miss L. Rogers and a recitation by Miss Rita M'Gruer. The accompaniments wera played by Miss G. Rogers. FAREWELL SERVICES.

The R«v T. Miller closed his ministry at the church yesterday. There was a large congregation at eacli service, the attendance of members at the communion service held in the morning being a record one for the church. At the close of the evening service Messrs J. C. Mitel ell, C. W. Bell, J. Marshall and C. I. Jennings, members of the Kirk Session, bore testimony to the faithful and earnest way in which Mr Miller had discharged his pastoral Unties, and to the great prosperity of th:i church under Ins care. It was stated that records had been established in increase in membership of the church, attendance at Communion, and ordinary services, and in the finances of the church. Also that the establishment of flourishing Bible classes and work amongst the young people generally had been a special ieature oi his successful ministry. Mr W G. Whiteside, oi the Methodist Church, also spoke concerning the regard felt for Mr Miller outside his own communion. Mr Mil.cr spoke feelingly in response to the farewell addresses, and expressed his sincerest gratitude for tho kindness of his congregation to Mrs Miller md himself, and for the helpfulness of the office-bearers in his work. ■ Before the Benediction was pronounced the hymn "God bo with you till we meet again" was sung. The members of the Young Mens Bible Class, at their meeting before the evening service, presented Mr Miller with a fountain pen as a parting g'l't, to which will be added a large group photograph of tho class. Mr arid Mrs Miller will leave tor their new home on Tuesday evening, the induction service being lixed lor Thursday.