LONG SERVICE TO CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 227, 25 August 1932, Page 8

LONG SERVICE TO CHURCH.

MR W. FLATT HONOURED. There was an attendance of about seventy people in the Sunday school hall of the Cuba Street Methodist Church last evening, when the trustees, the choir aiul the congregation united to honour Mr Walter X latt, the organist at the church for the past 25 years, and a worker in the Methodist Church for over 42 years. Mr JL''latt recently retired from his position and the occasion was taken to. suitably commemorate the occasion.

Cosily arranged, the hall was the scene of a pleasant gathering. Games and musical items provided the entertainment, songs being presented by Mrs Bird, Miss G. Young and Mr Todd. Miss It. Birch presided at the piano. Rev. J. D. McArthur, minister of the church, presided and made several presentations to Mr Piatt. Air McArthur spoke of the loyalty and constant helpfulness of the retiring official, stating that he had ever been willing to assist the Church which he had served for so many years. Mr A. A. Fisher, circuit steward, in the unavoidable absence of Mr T. R. Hodder, speaking on behalf of the Church, said that he had been associated with Mr Flatt over the past 23 years. In many positions Mr Flatt had rendered very fine service and in the Auckland district had worked faithfully for 17 years before coming to Palmerston North. Mr H. T. Pitcher, the choirmaster, spoke of tho good feeling which had always existed between Mr blatt and the other officers. He had given valuable help to both the senior and junior choirs and on their behalf Mr Pitcher expressed their appreciation to him. Rev. Mr McArthur then made to Mr and Mrs Flatt the presentation of an oak ink-stand, suitably inscribed, also a clock from the choir, and the following illuminated address from the choir, trustees and members of the congregation: “On this the occasion of your retirement from the position of honorary organist at the Cuba Street Methodist Church, a position that you have held for the last twenty-five years, the trustees, choir members, and members of the congregation wish to express to you their deep appreciation of the service you have rendered over this long period. We especially record the loyalty and cheerful willingness you have ever shown in this work, and in your retirement we cordially wish Mrs Flatt and yourself continued health and happiness.” Mr Flatt made a feeling reply for the kindly sentiments expressed and the presentations made. He said that he would always he willing to render help if his services were required. To Miss Simmons, who had been deputyorganist during Ids term of office, Mr Flatt expressed thanks for assistance at all times. He also referred to the good feeling which had always existed between him and tho other officers. Apart from the 25 years in Palmerston North, he had had 17 years’ service in Auckland, chiefly at Kingsland, where he was in the choir, and at Pitt Street. He had started as an organist when in his teens and had filled every office it was possible for a layman to fill.

lii reminiscent mood ; Mr Flatt said tliat only seven families remained in the church and four in the choir who were worshippers 25 years ago. He and Mrs Flatt had been prevailed upon by Mr J. S. Winton and Mrs J. T. Burrell when they arrived from Auckland to link up with the church and to them they owed their heartfelt appreciation for what they had done. Before concluding by expressing histhanks to all who had helped him, Mr Flatt said that to Mrs Flatt must he given much honour for she had always willingly subordinated her claims to those of the church.

During the evening a dainty supper was served by the ladies of the choir.