VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 255, 27 September 1932, Page 9

VALEDICTORY

ST. PETER’S CHURCH FUNCTION. AIR AND AIRS It. H. GRACE ’FARE WELLED. Parishioners of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Terrace End, last evening took the opportunity to farewell Air and Airs R. H. F. Grace and their daughters, Alisses Inez and June. Several weeks ago Air Grace was transferred to the branch of the National Bank of New Zealand in Auckland, but he paid a visit to Palmerstqn North over the week-end, leaving bn his return again to the north by the Limited express last evening. For a lengthy period he was people's warden and treasurer of the Church, and in this and other directions rendered valuable and appreciated service. Airs Grace, who with her daughters will join Air Grace in Auckland at the end of the school year, has been an ardent worker for the Church and their departure is regretted by parishioners. The vicar. Rev. D. J. Davies, presided, and in addressing the meeting referred to the very serious loss the Church had suffered in the transfer of All- Grace. He had filled the j>osition of people’s warden and had acted as secretary and treasurer, and only those who occupied such positions knew the labour involved and the wonderfully efficient way in which Air Grace had carried out his duties. His keenness and efficiency were reflected in all he had undertaken. The vicar referred to the work of Airs Grace in the parish, with the Ladies’ Guild, at the annual bazaar and other Church functions, paying a well deserved tribute in this respect. “AYc are very glad,” he proceeded, “that" Air Grace had the opportunity to come down for a few days. A\ 7 e seized it to express to him our sincere regret at his departure and gratitude for all lie has dqne, and to wish both himself and Airs Grace and their daughters a very happy future.” Alessrs G. G. Priest (vicar’s warden) and J. H. Nash also paid a tribute to Air and Alts Grace in their work for the Church. Air Grace, the former said, had worked with cheerfulness in his service to God and his Church. Had it not been for liis keenness St. Peter’s would not have been in the position it occupied to-day, with excellent promise for the future. , Air Grace was then presented with a very fine travelling rug and Airs Grace with a crystal vase, Airs F. Fairbrother, as president of the Ladies’ Guild, making the presentation to Airs Grace.

In acknowledging the gifts, Air Grace spoke of the regret they felt in severing their connection with the Church. He thanked the parishioners for the tangible proof of their feelings towards himself and Airs Grace in their work. He had tried to do his best for the Church and parish and what ho and his wife had done had been a great pleasure. It was a severe wrench leaving Palmerston North where they had made many friendships, for it was hard to sever these. Air Grace expressed pleasure in the knowledge that the future of St. Peter’s Church from the spiritual and material point of view was bright indeed. The fact that the parish had been able to gather sufficient funds to make possible the extension of the church to provide increased accommodation, and at the same time reduce tho bank overdraft, was a happy augury for the future. With such a capable vicar and its earnest band of workers, St. Peter’s would progress for the spiritual welfare of Palmerston North.