FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. G. S. BARTLETT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10702, 27 February 1911, Page 2

FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. G. S. BARTLETT.

Yesterday evening, in St. Luke's Church, the l*ev. J. G. S. Bartlett preached his farewell sermon ere leaving the parish to take charge of the parish of Wadestown, Wellington. At the close of the service the congregation adjourned to the schoolroom for the purpose of saying good-bye to their departing pastor. Mr W. C. M'Douall, who presided, said that personally he very much regretted Mr Bartlett's departure, and he felt sure that the great majority of the parishioners shared this regret with him. M-r Bartlett's work for the Church in Oamaru stood before them, and it was indeed a very great one. The attendance at Communion had been greatly increased, and in addition to that good work, the financial side of the Church had been much improved. In fact, results for the latest term, even excluding the extra collections taken during the mission, were a record. He felt, very sorrv indeed that Mr Bartlett was- leaving them ; and he had told Mr Bartlett himself that he thought he was a very foolish man to go. Mr M'Douall then called on Mr Williamson, as parishioners' churchwarden, to make a presentation to Mr Bartlett. . Mr Williamson, before making the presentation, referred to Mr Bartlett's energetic, earnest, and kindly qualities—kindly especially, for it was when any; member of the parish was in trouble that Mr Bartlett 'particularly shone. On behalf of the parishioners he requested Mr Bartlett's acceptance, of a purse of sovereigns as a small token of their regard for him. He wished Mr and Mrs Bartlett every happinness in their new sphere, and assured them that they would always find a warm welcome awaiting them in Oamaru. A number of other gentlemen spoke in praise of Mr Bartlett and his work in thelparTsh. Mr Armstrong referred to his sporting qualities, and how he had attracted many "sports" to Church thereby; Mr .Woodward referred to his work in, forming ..j, branch of the Church of England-Men's Society. The Rev> D. Jamieson spoke as one who had been, brought intq, very close contact with Mr Bartlett, and had been enabled to appreciate his great kindness, consideration, and earnestness. Mr Finch said that the faults of a man were easily discernible; but his good qualities were not always worn on his sleeve. Thus it might be'said that it was only during the last eighteen .months that they had begun to know Mr Bartlett. Now, he thought it was saying a great deal fot him that there was not a mem-ber-of the vestry that was not sincerely regretful at his departure. They were also very sorry to lose Mrs Bart~ lett. ' She had worked well in the parish, and there there was no one but spoke well of her. ' Mr Bartlett said he was deeply moved by all that had been said that evening. When he had handed in his resignation he had been influenced by certain causes which perhaps should not have weighed so much with him. It was nothing in the place or the people that caused him to take that step; but in Wellington he had worked and lived in one of the best Churches in NewZealand with a man of extraordinary qualities, who had been known, and loved by some of the people present. The effect of that long association in work and' life had been to endear the place to him, so that he was now drawn strongly back to it. When he came here he had endeavored to do what he thought right even though it sometimes conflicted with the opinions of others, parish and the town—in the schools and sports—to the best of his ability. He had taken part in sports for pure love and because he thought it right for a man; if he felt inclined, to take a share in atheltic pastimes and keep himself bodily fit. The people and the parish had been very kind to him in building him a fine house- iind doing all they could for him. % ' He appreciated their kindness thoroughly and assured them that no other place than Wellington would have drawn him a,way from them. He had many true friends in Oamaru, and should be* very sorry to leave them, but he thought that in taking this step he was doing as God had appointed him: Mrs Bartlett. also had very many friends here, and he felt sure it would be a very great wrench when she came to leave the place. on Thursday'. He thanked Mr M'Douall,. Slri-Williamson, the vestryj the choir, and' all' who had assisted with the work of the Church. He thanked them also very much for their kind expressions and their gift./-