OLD FOLKS' REUNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19032, 1 June 1925, Page 10

OLD FOLKS' REUNION.

ST. JAMES' CONGREGATION. INTERESTING REMINISCENCES. Despite unpromising weather nearly 300 people accepted the invitation of the .Rev. E. R. Harries and the members of session of St. James' on Saturday afternoon to what was termed "An Old Folks' Reunion." Motor-cars had called for some, and all were presented with a button hole on entering Plenty of N bonnets were in evidence, some gay with flowers, and black lace-trimmed capes. Cut-away coats and a velvet skull Cap fitted right into the picture, too. The proceedings were opened with a hymn, followed by Scripture reading and a prayer. An opportunity' was then given for social intercourse, and a dainty afternoon tea was served. Mingled with the kindly clatter of tea cups was tho pleasant buzz of conversation as one old friend greeted another, and reminiscences were the order of the day. On resuming the service, many interesting disclosures were made." One lady, Mrs. Watson, was within a few :months of her 100 th birthday, and, what was more, had never been ill in her life. Mrs. Ness is 93 years of age. Another lady claimed to be the first Scottish baby born in New Zealand. Fourteen were counted when those over 80 years were asked to put up their hands. The oldest member of St. James', Mrs. Goldie, was present, her membership dating back over 60 years, or ever since the founding of St. James'. Mr. Duncan MacPhersou had been a Christian worker for over 56 years, while two former choirmasters and organists testified to the changes there had been since their time. The grand old man of St. James', Mr. Thomas Richardson, was. not able to bo present, but he sent a message of congratulation, bidding them God-spoed, and praying that they would have God's blessing, whereupon the meeting charged Mr. Harries on their account to convey a kindly message to Mr. Richardson. Solos were rendered- by , Miss Mary Gow and Mr. MacPherson. Mr. Harries, in a short address, pointed out Christ* as the perfect Friend, forgiving, comforting and abiding, and that death would not end this friendship, but would be the transition to an even greater companionship, There was gladness and there was solemnity in the gathering. So_ many had already gone such a Ion? distance and had known the perplexities, the burden.l? and the joys that must be in each span of life. It was experience that had put the lines on their faces, investing them with character and interest. Almost all were pioneers who have watched Auckland develop'from a mere straggling settlement, with all the attendant hardships in a new and isolated land, to its present dignity of an important city.