A DUAL MINISTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 13

A DUAL MINISTRY.

HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE.

FIRST WOMAN PREACHER.

AUCKLAND UNITARIAN CHURCH.

A public reception to the Rev. W. Constable and his wife, tho Rev. Wlna L. Constable, who havo accepted a call as joint ministers of the Auckland Unitarian Church, was held in tho Unitarian Church, Ponsonby Road, on Saturday evening. Tho new ministers took up their duties yesterday. "The spirit of adventure has lured us on, and now wo are starting our now ministry here," said Mr, Constable, in replying to the welcome. "I thank God for bringing us here, and thank you for inviting us." "We have come here with great hopes and high ideals," said the Rev. Wilna Constable. "It was a great experience to leave tho Homeland, to meet many foreigners, speaking strange languages, and then to find a land whero our own language is spoken, and where dwell our own kith and kin."

Mention was also made by tho new ministers of the kind and courteous treatment they had received everywhere since their arrival. They thanked all who had helped in arranging such an inspiring and encouraging reception.

Tho chairman, Mr. S. .7. Elliott, in introducing the new ministers, stated Mrs. Constablo was the first ordained woman minister to speak in Auckland, al though she had been preaching in Warwick for over seven years. "On behalf of tho Mayor, tho City Council and the citizens of Auckland, I desire to extend to our friends a mosl hearty welcome to tho city," said Mr. A. J. Entrican, tho deputy-mayor. "I can welcomo them on behalf of tho city, because, in spite of tho many differont ciceds that exist in Auckland, I believe the city as a whole will feel the beneficial influence of the new moral force which has come into our midst." A welcome to the Dominion was tendered the visitors by Sir George l'owlds, who hoped that their stay in Now Zealand would prove enjoyable and beneficial both to the congregation and the

city. Addresses of welcome on behalf of various organisations in tho city, and tho different branches of the community, were given by Mrs. N. E. Ferncr, who spoke on behalf of the women of the church; Rev. R. J. Hall, who spoko on the work of Unitarianism throughout tho world; Mr. T. Bloodworth, Mr. W. R. Tuck, Mr. J. R. Salt, of Wellington, and Mr. W. Cocker. The induction servico in Iho afternoon was conducted by the Revs. W. Jellie, J. H. G. Chappie and R. »T. Hall. At the conclusion of the service the new ministers gave short addresses, in which they stated they would work, not only for the spiritual improvement of the parish, but for the general moral improvement of the city.