St. Paul’s Church

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 81, 6 April 1939, Page 7

St. Paul’s Church

MINISTER FAREWELLED The conclusion of a successful ministry at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, camo on Monday evening, when Rev. M. A. McDowell was farewelled by a large gathering of members and adherents. Mr. O. Bettany (Circuit Steward) presided. Visitors and representatives from churches in the district were present. The oflieers of the St. Paul’s Church were strongly represented. There was a prevailing opinion that but for the importance of the task to which Mr. McDowell has been appointed, that of youth director, the local church would not have consented to his removal.

Speaking as representative of kindred churches, Rev. J. Hubbard said Mr. McDowell was a brother beloved by his ministerial brethren. He had ever shown willingness to co-operate with the Ministers’ Association in all matters which had for their purpose the extension of the Kingdom of God. Always did he speak with wisdom ahd understanding, and often the association had followed his lead. lie had brought into their midst a geniality and kindness which had won their esteem and love. The conference had done a wise thing in choosing Mr. McDowell for service amongst the. Youth of the Church. In personality, charm and cleat-cut insight into the problems of the day, Mr. McDowell had the essentials of “the man for the job.” Mr Hubbard wished Mr. McDowell every success.

Apologising for the absence of Mr. Kenyon, a circuit steward, Rev. A. Blakemore, conveyed the cordial greet ings of the Cuba Street Church with which, ho said, he was most glad to associate himself. Mr. McDowell reflected a bright, breezy and jovial Christianity, carrying it wherever he went. He hoped the St. Paul’s people realised that Mr. McDowell was going to one of the premier jobs of the Church. The New Zealand Alliance was losing a man who was ever in the forefront of the fight. Tributes were also paid by Rev. A. Ashcroft, Mr. C. Wood (for tho Aokautere Church and tho Whakarongo Bible Clasd), and Mr. Bettany (for the St. Paul’s Church and congregation). Detailing tho many activities of tho Church into which Mr. McDowell had thrown himself, Mr. Bettany said their minister was liked most because he always placed loyalty to Christ first. He had ability to make deep and lasting contacts, using every opportunity to stress the great realities of the Christian faith.

Tho speaker also referred to Mrs. McDowell’s gracious ministry. The Church had grown to like her, and they realised her value. “Upon both,” ho concluded, “wo pray that God’s richest blessing will rest continually.” Mr. Bettany presented a log box and firescreen, symbolic of St. Paul’s members’ affection and esteem.

Mrs. W. B. Cameron had a bouquet for Mrs. McDowell which she presented for the guild and ladies of the Church. Mrs. Cameron said she believed both were going to do a wonderful work. She thanked them for much kindness and help at all times. It was not easy to leave Palmerston North, said Mr. McDowell, and he felt unworthy of all the kind things said of him. Ho thanked all for the presents, which would be very useful. Always they would remind Mrs. McDowell and himself of their many friends at Palmerston North. As a minister, he was never keen about receiving presentations; he felt that the work of the Church was done by the people and officers of the Church. If he had his way he would abolish presents to departing ministers, substituting presents to laymen, their wives and others of the Church. However, he, with Mrs. McDowell, did appreciate tho spirit which prompted the giving. He was very affected and impressed by all that had been said regarding his ministry in Palmerston North. Sometimes he had been a little eager; this was only because he could not bear that there should be stagnation in the work for the Kingdom. He had not done all he would have liked. His days had been very full, but he had been happy in the work. The cause of St. Paul’s would ever be of interest to him and Mrs. McDowell, whose splendid help had greatly sustained him at all times.

A programme of song and elocution interspersed the speeches. Mx\ and Mrs. McDowell left Palmerston North by car for Wellington yesterday morning, en route for Christchurch.