QUEENSTOWN TRIBUTE

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4487, 1 October 1940, Page 2

QUEENSTOWN TRIBUTE

Notwithstanding two strong social counter attractions there was a large attendance of members of St. Peter’s church and other denominations present in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last to say farewell' to the Rev. J. C. Russell, prior to his leaving for Walmate North after two and a-half years ministration as vicar of Wakatipu. It was a striking tribute tio a worthy clergyman and signified the goodwill of the people Dr Anderson, Peoples’ Churchwarden. said they could not let the Rev. Mr Fussell go back to his home town without bidding formal farewell' and telling him how much they appreciated his ministrations during hiis 1 sojourn in the district . They realised that he made a big sacrifice in leaving his family to come to Queenstown and would have permitted him to return sooner if it had been possible. They therefore felt grateful to him for continuing to carry out his duties which had proved so acceptable to the Reference was made to Mr Russell's association with the District High School, the scholars of which regarded him as their “father, grandfather and father confessor’’ During his stay here. Mr Fusseil had endeared himse’.if to the people of Queenstown and on behalf of those inside and outside the church he wished him a safe return to his home and every blessing in his retirement. Mr W. D. Warren, vicar’s churchwarden, endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, making special reference to the helpful and inspiring addresses given by Mr Fussell in relation to churchs’ attitude and obligations in the present war. Mr Warren also commended Mr Fussell) for his kindly bearing to the returned soldiers. The Rev. D. K. Boyd said hc_ was pleased to join with the Anglicans in farewelling their vicar. It had indeed been a. pleasure to co-operate with him on frequent occasions (in their prayer circles and in other directions. ’ He could appreciate the | value of his addresses and ministrations as vicar. It was .necessary that the people should be instructed in the faith of their fathers for that faith was a real living thing. On

1 behalf of the church he represented I lie hoped that the restoration to Ins family would briny Mr Fusseli a full measure of happiness ■a.uci prosperity. Lieut. Jones, Salvation Array, also spoke of the inspiration the_ Rev. Fusseli had. been to him iu their Fellowship meetings and he hoped that he would have many ycai’s in happy retirement. . Mr J. S. Loyds, chairman of the schools committee, thanked Mr Fussed for the £rreat help and instruction, lie was able to afford the children who reyarded him as the father and grandfather of the school. Mr Gaunt-lettl-Cturtis also paid a tribute to Mr Passed for his work among the yoUng people and his quality' as a preacher. Dr Anderson then handed an envelope to Mr Fussed; containing a l yift from the congregation which was followed by musical' honours. In replviny. Mr Fussed said he was dee pi v grateful to the various speakers and for the gift which had been handed to him. "W hen he was ap- ; pointed to Wakatiplu parish he was j overjoyed. He was told that he would never stand jip to the rigors of the winter in the south but in inimitable style Mr Fussed told his hearers of his experiences, showing that the climate had been very good to him. He was, however, thrilled that he was a vain return big north after having fulfilled his two years’ and seven months’’ work in the parish . Mr Fussed said he was pleased that the school committee had permitted’ him to co-operate with them in anything he was able to do for the the high school children. He had spent the happiest time of his life among them and would leave Queenstown with the happiest recollections of the people and its bracing .climate. A very pleasing programme of musical items were given in the earlier part of the evening co isistimg of the following; National Anthem; pianofore solo, Mrs Martin-Smith; songs, by Mr H. Tomk ies>. Mr Jas McDonald. Dr Anderson, and Misses I. Ingles and M. Grey T ; violin solo. Mr J. Fraser: clarinet solo. Mr D. E. E-owe; elocutionary' item. Rev. J. C. Fusseli: sketch. .Miss I>. Buckham; sonys by High School girls. Mrs P. Martin-Smith acted as accompanistc assisted by r Mrs D. Eowe. After the speechmaking a bountious supper was handed round.

At the close of the evening service in St. Peter’s Church on Sunday evening. the choir girls presented the Eev. J. C. Fussell with a handsome fountain pen and scroll of members members. who wished him evei-y success on his return to his home. Mr Fussell expressed a pleasant surprise on receiving the gift and returned thanks