EKETAHUNA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 123, 24 April 1936, Page 10

EKETAHUNA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

EKETAHUNA, April 23 At the Methodist Curch, last evening, Rev J H Haslam, of Wellington, exPresident of the Methodist Conference conducted the induction service and welcome tendered Rev. Mr Hindnjarsh, late of the Wakefield—Dovodale circuit (Nelson) as minister in charge of the Ekclahupa- Methodist parochial circuit. Despite the bolster* oil's weather, there was a large wngregation/ including the Mayor (Mr W. Simpson), lay preachers, church officials, representatives from country districts, and representatives on behalf of the Anglican and Prosbvtcrian churches. An apology was received horn Rcv..L. Ives (Anglican), and Mr and Mrs Dopson, who were absent owing to a recent bereavement. Ihe choir, .under Mr J. F. Baillie, rendered special hvnnis, and Miss M. Smith presided at the organ. After reading passages from the New Testament, Mr Haslam read the solemn and impressive charge which Mr Hindmarsh, who was supported by Mr B. McLdlan and Mr Richarcbon (Rongomai), accepted. In delivering an eloquent ad- . dress, Mr Haslam traced the advancement of Methodism from the time of John Wesley, and feelingly impressed upon the new minister and the adherents of the Methodist Church the duties required by each, which' ■ho .trusted, would be honestly and; faithfully .carried out. The offering of prayer and'the singifig of the Doxqlog.y concluded ilic service. The assemblage then retired to the Methodist Hall, wher.c speeches of welcome were made by various speakers, if ere Mr Haslam again presided, and in introducing Mr Ilmdmavsh remarked that he was pleased to be present on such an occasion. Having, as one of the heads of the Methodist Church, watched with interest the progress of the new minister as a student, lie .could assure those present that one had come to them possessed with unsurpassed records, much common sense, and the 1 requisite qualities of a minister. As a citizen ho would fill the expectations required of him and the town generally could be assured of his wholehearted support and co-operation. On behalf of his brethren, lie .extended to Mr Hindmarsh a hearty welcome In extending a similar welcome, Mr It. McLcllan, for the congregation, said that he sincerely hoped the reverend gentleman’s stay would be a pleasant one. Mr J. 1 1 . Baillie, on behalf of flic trustees, and as the Sunday school superintendent, deemed it a privilege to welcome their new minister. The Mayor (Mr Simpson), apologised for the absence of‘the Mayoress. He remarked upon the loss to the Methodists of the town by the recent jxapoval to the South Island of Rev. Mr Bennie, and while he deeply regretted that loss, lie was very pleased to he present on behalf of the citizens to tender Mr Hindmarsh the heartiest of welcomes. He felt sure that as he become acquainted with the people of the town and district he could depend upop their loy.alty and co-opcration. He trusted flic reverend ■ gentleman’s • stay here would be a pleasant one, with t)io friendliest of relations. Air \V.’F. Taylor, representing the Anglican Church, joined with the meeting by extending a' welcome. He promised every assistance from his fellow-parishioners, wishing Mr Hindmarsh every success in bis new undertaking. Mr N. Richardson, or: behalf of the Presbyterian Church, also extended a welcome. Mr Hindmarsh expressed many thanks to all those who bad assisted in welcoming him in so friendly a manner and for the many messages of goodwill received. Ho hoped his congregations would ngt expect too much. During his residence so far, the people had appealed to him, and lie felt sure that if they helped each other they would work admirably together. He was extremely interested in Sunday • school and Bible class work and promised every assistance. He thanked the Mayortfpr his encouraging remarks, Stating that a minister’s rcligiqu should not"interefcrc with flje responsibilities of citizenship. He trusted that with the assistance of the Jay preachers and church officials the work of the Church would continue to progress, and in doing his best lie could promise no more. To the representatives of the Anglican and Presbyterian congregations lie tendered many thanks for their very cordial welcome. The members of the Ladies Guild were responsible for thei serving of supper and the remainder of the evening was spent In social el),at.