COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1919, Page 1

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

TO REV. -AND MRS CLARK. If testimony were required as to the popularity of tihe Rev. J. R. Clark and Mrs Clark amongst the Whangarei Methodist connection, then it was amply forthcoming , on Wednesday evening , last, when Mr umd Mrs Clark were entertained at a complimentary social by the members of the congregation. The "function \vas held in the school room adjoining tihe dhurch, the building being taxed to its utmost 'Capacity to accommodate the large . 'gathering that had assembled to do honour to the guests of the evening. iMr D. W. Jack presided, and in the course of his remarks paid tribute to tihe excellent work done by Mr Clark, who had been ably assisted by Mrs Clark, in aTI church duties. Mr Jack said that he was very pleased that the old custom in Methodiet law of moving a minister on after having worked for three years in a circuit—whether it were advisable or otherwise —had been altered, and it was allowable at the present time for a minister to remain for an indefinite period, provided of course that it was to the best interests of 'all concerned. He was confident he was voicing the opinions of the congregation when he said that he hoped Mr and Mrs Clark would remain in Whangarei for several years to come. The congregation was thoroughly satisfied that they had in Mr Clark the right man, as .was fully evidenced by the splendid progress made in a]l branches of church. work during his appointment here. When he arrived the church life was at a low ebb and there was a heavy financial burden upon the circuit and also the church buildinig , . It was most gratifying to record that the status of the churcSi had been considerably raised, the congregations had 'largely increased, and the debts had been cleared away. As secretary of the Trust Fund, the speaker assured the meeting that the church property was now absolutely free of debt. There was still a mortgage existing upon the parsonage, but Mr Clark had now taken the matter up, iand ere long he felt satisfied that this would also be a thing , of the past. He informed the meeting that already two other circuits had approached Mr Clark to allow himself to be nominated as their future minister, but he was pleased to say that Mr Clark had turned down both offers, and had determined thiat if invited, he would accept an appointment for a fourth year in Whangarei. He felt that the congregation was to be congratulated upon this decision of Mr Clark, and he had anuch pleasure in extending to Mr and Mrs Clark the sincere good wishes of the congregation, and (hoped and believed that the cordial feelings and co- ' operation which, had existed in the past would assuredly continue. (Appl<ius.e.) At a later stage during the evening as" Mr Clark rose to speak he was warmly applauded, He said that on behalf..of (Mrs Clark and himseLf he thanked air Jack and members of the congregation for the kind expressions of appreciation which had been voiced, not only that evening but on many previous occasions. He did feel very grateful indeed for the many manifestations of loyalty and ■ encouragement that had been rendered. Similarly he was deeply thankful for the measure of succass which had been attained, but like Oliver Twist he wanted imore. He was convinced that if all were absolutely in earnest then they could move the town spiritually. However, he pointed, out, that such things could only be achieved by co-operation; a.U must assist by every means that lay in their power to promote the work of God. He urged that although progress had been made, a,nd he trust- , ed blessing had. been received at least by same, they should not be content but expect even greater results in the days to oome, Past successes should stimulate all" for ■more devoted effort in the future. He felt deeply moved and grateful for tihe kindness -wliicih both he and Mrs Clark had received since their arrival in Whangarei, and he asked for a continuance of that co-opera-tion which had so far marked his term of service here. In a final exhortation lie urged upon his hearers the absolute necessity af an implicit dependence upon God, who alone was able to give the increase. An excellent musical programme was rendered at intervals during the evening-, which gave anuch pleasure to those present. Items were rendered by Mrs W. R. Patterson, Mass Cutforth, (Miss Waring, and Messrs Stanley M. Simons, Leslie Barbour, a.nd 'dribble, all of whom sang solos; 'Mrs Walker gave a reading, whilst recitations were given by Misses Wrigley, Olive Forth, and Avis Fulljames. Miss Eager acted as accompanist. Supper was handed, round at the close, and the gathering dispersed after the pronouncement of the Benediction.