BAPTISTS WELCOME THEIR NEW PASTOR

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6900, 4 May 1929, Page 8

BAPTISTS WELCOME THEIR NEW PASTOR

REV. C. S. MATTHEWS. A large congregation assembled at the Baptist Church last night when a hearty welcome was accorded the Rev. C. S. Matthews, who has been called to tho pastorate of the church. Mr. Matthews has been the minister of tho Ashburton Church for eleven and nhalf years and has left a record of good work both in the church and in the community. These facts were brought out by Rev. F. E. Harry, who represented tho Wellington Baptist Auxiliary. The chair was taken by Mr. Grover, who extended a hearty welcome to the new pastor on behalf of tho deacons and congregation. Ho said they had not called Mr. Matthews to an easy task, but he was sure that with tho loynl support of every church member great success would attend his work Ho read many messages from sister churches, including one from tho Ashburton Church which Mr. Matthews had just left and which said: “Palmerston's gain is Ashburton’s loss.” Rev. F. E. Harry congratulated the church on such a happy' settlement. Ho knew Mr. Matthews personally and was assured of his success in the work to which ho had come. On behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations, Rev. J. Ernest Parsons extended a hearty welcome to both Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. Mr. Matthews would find that the churches of Palmerston North wero working together in fine harmony. He would receive a happy welcomo at tho Council table and in all tho activities to which the Council gave its attention. • Mr. A. E. Whitehead spoke on behalf of tho United Evangelical Church. On bchalt of the city, Mr. A. J. Graham, who received a round of applause when ho came in a little later, also gave a cordial welcome. He said a community prospered as its churches were alive and faithful to. their tasks. Rev. C. S. Matthews responded, thanking all who had extended their welcome to him and assuring his people that he would do all in his power to further the work to which they had unitedly set their hands. Musical items were given by the choir and friends and supper was dispensed by the ladies.