WELCOME TEA MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7540, 17 April 1886, Page 3

WELCOME TEA MEETING

A large gathering attended the tea meeting on Thursday night in the Tabernacle in Great King street. The meeting was held for the dual purpose of welcoming the new preacher (Mr W. Houchins, of America) and of bidding farewell to Mr C. A. Moore, who has so long and so successfully occupied the pulpit at that church, and who is compelled to retire principally on account of failing health. The tea was presided over by Biesdames Boot, Hislop, M'Nee, and other ladies, who were thoroughly successful^ in furnishing a good spread, and made the meeting a highly enjoyable one. During the evening the choir, under the leadership of Mr Gi;orge Reed, pleasantly varied the proceedings. In'this connection may be mentioned the ready and efficient help rendered by the choirs of sister •churches. Mr A. Turner, in a few well-chosen words, introduced Mr Houchins to the scene of his labours. Mr C. A. Moore, in bidding farewell, complimented the church upon the help that had been cheerfully accorded to him, and trusted his successor would be just as heartily •assisted. Mr Floyd, the very successful pastor -of the church at Wellington, referred to the past

history of the Disciples of Christ, dwelling on the perseverance that had made them the powerful body they were, and urging a continuance of tho same persevering and well-directed efforts which alone could effectually indoctrinate tho people with the perfect religion of Jesus Christ. Mr Houchins, on rising, met with every symptom of a hearty welcome, and iv making his initial speech referred to som« of tin.' circumstances of a missionary's life'in Jamaica. Jlr Houchins, who is a vigorous and forcible j speaker, proved himself more than equal to the I task of arousing and maintaining tho interest of the large audience assembled. He said hu viewed the work before him as the most responsible task that could devolve upon any man, and one that could only be creditably carried out by a firm trust in God and undeviating allegiance to the pure and simple Gospel as preached first by our Lord and His apostles. He would take his stand upon the invincible rock the Bible mid unflinchingly publish its truths.