CUBA STREET CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 109, 8 April 1936, Page 15

CUBA STREET CHURCH

VALEDICTORY FUNCTION. REV. H. L. RICHARDS FAREWELLED. A striking tribute to the esteem a/ul affection in which Rev. H. L. Richards, minister of the Cuba Street Methodist Church, is held by the members of his church, and others with whom he has.come into contact during his three years’ ministry here, was afforded on Monday, when, at the church hall, ho was accorded, with Mrs Richards and family, a farewell function. Mr and Mrs Richards leave for Waijnate to-day, and the opportunity to bid them farewell was so generously accepted that there was a very large assembly. The former portion of the evening comprised a musical programme, which was greatly enjoyed. Items were rendered by Misses 0- Cot'tam and N. Cowlislmw (duet), N. Whittaker and T. Hopkins (songs), Mrs Coupe (song), Miss AVulker (recitation), Messrs H. T. Pitcher and J. Perrin (songs), and the choir. The gathering then resolved itself into a valedictory function, when high tribute was paid to the worth of the guests. Speaking for the Cuba Street Circuit (embracing tho Cuba Street and Longburn Societies), Mr ,T. D. Watson (circuit steward) spoke in high terms of the esteem and affection in which Mr and Mrs Richards and family were held, and expressed the sorrow of the members and adheronts that their period of fellowship was to be severed. Mr Richards had exercised a ministry massive in its conception, yet not so massive as to preclude the sharing by the people of manifold graces and kindly deeds. In Ins preaching there had been no “isms,” but he had proclaimed a Gospel essentially Christological. By it lie had won the allegiance of all who had perceived the leadership he had tendered. Witlml there had been a rare spirit of reverence and charm pervading the morning and evening worship. All • these and other aspects of his ministry had won the love of a large number of bis congregation, and the assemblage was illustrative of the fact.

Mr Watson also spoke of the gracious personality of Mrs Richards, who had endeared horself to all with whom she bad come in contact. Her home bad always been open, and her kindness had been remarkable. In all her ministrations concerning the work of the Church and the young people she had earned a great deal of affection. Miss Gweimeth Richards, also, would be greatly missed, for she had rendered yeoman service in the Sunday school and among the younger people, especially, had earned a great deal of esteem and entered abundantly - into their activities. WORK IN SCHOOL.

The next speaker was Mr E. Bary, the headmaster of Central School, who was present by special invitation and who paid a splendid testimony to Air Richards’s work each Thursday in conducting Scripture lessons at the school. “If-the work in the other schools is carried out with the same success as it has been at Central, then I am constrained to say that Palmerston North children will be .much better for the instruction. It has been a pleasure to have Air Richards with us, because be has given the children a practical idea of religion. Children are great judges of character, us to whether they, like or dislike a person, and the liking displayed in their work has been very noticeable among the children. I am sure the children have much appreciated the work of Air Richards, for of between 250 and 300 children only one did not take part last year, and this year all of Standards 4,5, and 6 are taking part. That to mo speaks volumes for Mr Richards’s work. It lias mattered not - a bit about denominations, for all have willingly taken part,” Air Bary said. He concluded by expressing his own goodwill and that of the school towards Mr Richards, wishing him all happiness in bis new circuit. Mr G-. G, Hancox (circuit steward) who read a letter apologising for the absence of Rev. A. N. Scotter (chairman of the district), and conveying his good wishes, recounted some of the difficulties that Mr Richards- bad encountered, including the damage to the church by. earthquake. In the Bible classes and tlie Happy Hour, ablv assisted by the members of his family, lie had served the church well and had been always a champion of the distressed. The readings' of little Tui Richards at the anniversary services would be missed, too. No greater testimony to Air Richards could have been paid than the farewell service cm Sunday night, which had been one of the finest in the history of the Church. On behalf of the circuit, Air Hancox asked Mr Richards to accept as a token of gratitude a cheque subscribed by tho members and adherents, Air Richards being accorded continued applause. TRIPLE MINISTRY.

Mr Richards, in liis reply, sakl.it was not an easy moment for him. Ho greatlv appreciated all that liad keen said. “I am a pacifist, but 1 am a terror* to fight for the other* fellow. I can't bear to see wrong rampaging through the life of 'the other fellow without an endeavour to bring it to tire dust,” Mr Richards declared. He was delighted to receive Mr Rary's message, and would greatly regret severing his work at the Central and Terrace l'l 11d Schools.. Mrs- Ricliaids hud been a great help, one ‘‘terribly competent,” and lie was grateful toi her co-operation. Ho also was rippreciative of the help given bv Miss Richards. To those who had helped in the Happy Hour (Misses I\. ” “ l ?" taker and L. Fraser) lie was indebted, for a fiuo work was being done among Mr Richards said lie had had three objectives in his ministry. He had wanted to make the act of worship a thing of ,beauty and of power, making it more of a people’s service. He bad wanted the service to be a feeding ground for minds, to conduct a ministry of enlightenment and bring tlio people into contact with the worthwhileness of the Christian religion. In the third place, ho-had sought to help the young people, though not to the detriment of the elderly folk, as Ins many friendships demonstrated. Ho had seen that unless the mind and the imagination of the young people were captured as well as then* hearts, the Church would fail. Mr Richards concluded by thanking the audience for their attendance and the interest they had exhibited in his work, and urged that if he and Ins family wore to be forgotten their message should be retained. Mrs I*. J. Mel lor,- in a short speech, said the ladies had already honoured Mrs Richards, but they desired to participate in that function as well. She paid a very warm tribute to Mrs Richards for her constant help and fellowship, and. to Mr Richards for his very fine work among the young men, all of which was worthy of much appreciation. Mrs Meller presented Miss Richards, ns a tangible token of esteem, with a set of crystal earrings. Appreciation of the kindly remarks that bad been made was expressed by Mrs Richards in a concise speech. She said the work of the ministry was not an easy one to perforin, but only thoso ia close relationship really realised its

demand for., preparation and thought. Only they know how much the minister gave forth. Airs Richardk expressed pleasure that Miss Richards was also sharing in her father’s capabilities, for she had worked hard. It had been a work requiring a great deal but a work happily done. She had been delighted to earn the fellowship of the young life and was glad of their response. Airs Richards closed by bespeaking the loyalty of the congregation to the new minister and his wife.

Miss M. Verry, oil behalf of the Pollyana Club, expressed publicly the appreciation of tho members, which already had been given in tangible form, of Airs Richards’s kindly and capable service in all its activities, and Air G. Allman expressed to Mr Richards hearty appreciation of his ministry.

Slipper was then served, at the conclusion of which Air G. Woodley offered prayer, and Air Richards terminated a very memorable gathering witli tho pronouncing of the Benediction.

On Sunday evening there was an excell eh t congregation, to which Mr Richards preached an eloquent sermon, setting forth clearly and concisely tho aim of his ministry.