Aokautere Harvest Festival

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6811, 18 March 1932, Page 10

Aokautere Harvest Festival

A largo congregation gathered at the Aokautero lmll on Sunday afternoon, when the harvest festival service arranged under the auspices of the Methodist Church was held. Eov. I l ’. Copeland was the preacher, and his service and sermon were greatly appreciated. The hall was crowded on Tuesday evening, when the social and sale of produce was held. Rev. J. Ernest Parsons was in the chair and expressed his pleasure at being once more able to take part in the work of the circuit. Musical and elocutionary items were rendered by Mrs. H. B. Prince, Miss I. Clark, Mr. 11. Woodhouse, Mr. E. Ainsworth and 1 Rev. Mr. Parsons. Mrs. 11. Woodhouse acted as accompanist. On behalf of local friends the chairman was asked to make a presentation of a seagrass chair to Miss Jessie Pinfold, in view of her approaching marriage. Mr. Parsons expressed his pleasure in making the presentation. Miss Pinfold had served the district excellently as church pianist, and in all church functions had been ready to help. Her bright personality and happy service had made her many friends, and on their behalf, as well as his own, ho wished her a vciy happy

wedded life. Miss Pinfold briefly responded, thanking all for their kindness to her. A second presentation was mado by Mr. J. Hopcroft. He said that it was generally known that this would bo the last social function at Aokautcre at which Mr. Parsons would preside before taking up his new work at Wanganui. During his five years’ ministry at St. Paul's, Palmerston North, the Aokautcre district had been under his supervision, and the large audience present that night showed something of the high esteem in which he and Mrs. Parsons wero held. On behalf of the Aokautero friends ho asked Mr. and Mrs. Parsons to accept an artistic clock and vase, together with their very best wishes for a happy and useful ministry in their new sphere.

In. accepting the gifts Mr. Parsons said that both Mrs. Parsons and he had always enjoyed their association with Aokautero and its people. His ministry there had been full of that encouragement that every Christian minister desired. The regular presence of many young people at the services had been a source of inspiration to him in his work., In the homes of the people he had sealed friendships that would abide through the years. He hoped to con duct the Easter Sunday service and also

to visit the Young People’s Club before leaving for his new circuit, but he took the opportunity of commending his successor, Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., to them.

Supper was served by the ladies, and a good sale of produce brought the proceedings to a close.