A POPULAR MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 12

A POPULAR MINISTER

FAREWELL TO THE REV. E. E. ANDREWS

The Waitahuna Presbyterian Sunday School Hall waa crowded to its doors on Tuesday, evening last, when the congregation gathered to bid farewell to the Rev. E. E. and Mrs Andrews and family. As the result of gas poisoning during the war Mr Andrews has experienced indifferent health for the past two years, and, acting on medical advice, he has sought release from church work for a period. The Rev. H. H. Barton, of Lawrence, presided, and he waa supported by the Rev. Mr Knight, of Beaumont. The chairman, in his opening remarks, said that the large gathering present indicated the high esteem and affection in which Mr Andrews was held by the people of Waitahuna. He also spoke in appreciation of Mr Andrews’s work in the Clutha Presbytery and as a neighbouring minister to the Lawrence parish. He wished Mr Andrews a speedy restoration to health.

Mr W. Cameron, in making a presentation on behalf of the Waitahuna parish, said it was with the deepest regret that they were gathered to say good-bye to Mr Andrews. They sincerely trusted that his enforced rest would restore him to health, and that he would again take up with renewed vigour the task that ■was so dear to his heart. Mr K. M'Corkindale, on behalf of the session, conveyed to Mr Andrews the sincere appreciation of the congregation ot his faithful services during his ministry, both in the pulpit and amongst the people. His work amongst the young folk had been especially fruitful, and he Jiad won the love and esteem of the sick and the aged. . The following speakers bore sincere testimony as to the faithful service rendered by Mr Andrews in the parish , and of the esteem in which he was held throughout the district. Speaking for the various organisations, Messrs R. Murray (Deacons’ Court), S. Webster (Waitahuna West), N. M'Corkimlale (Manuka Creek), J. M. Rose (the congregation), the Rev. Mr Knight (Beaumont), and Mr R. M‘Caw (choir and Sunday school). A presentation was made to Mr and Mrs Andrews from the Bible class mem-' hers by Messrs J. Blaikie and J. Braidwood. both speakers paying tribute to the kindness of Mr and Mrs Andrews at the manse, where the class was conducted weekly. The recipients suitably responded, expressing their sincere thanks to the congregation for their gifts. Mr Andrews said he would carry with him many jileasant memories of his ministry in Waitahnna. , During the evening the choir rendered several anthems and Messrs Bell and Andrews (Sonth'nnd) contributed items. Supper was provided bv the ladies; and flic gathering was brought to a close with the singing of the hymn “O God of Bethel ” and the pronouncing of the benediction.

a ( rke le-'l me"t : ng of tin* VVail ilnma P.W.M.U.. Mrs Andrews was the reer*'.•nt of a damask table c'ot.h from (he i"-m----bers in njwvli-Mon of !>«;• sm-vi-es as mesident of the branch and as a toke n of the love and estaesa of tlie members