THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22903, 10 June 1936, Page 11

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

WELCOME TO NEW MINISTER THE REV. J. E. SIMPSON There was a large attendance of the adherents and friends of the Hanover Street Baptist Church in the church hall last night, when a warm welcome was extended to the new minister, the Rev. J. Ewen Simpson, and Mrs Simpson. The chair was occupied by Mr F. B. Adams, who said lie was pleased to see so many present. He believed that the occasion was a novel one in that they were welcoming for the first time in the history of the church a minister who was New Zealand-born. They were looking forward with great expectations to his ministry and trusted that his work would be richly blessed. The Rev. T, Keith Ewen, who has been in charge of the church during the past II months, also extended a warm welcome to Mr and Mrs Simpson, on behalf of the congregation. These were days, he said, when they needed to bo very gracious to a minister, and when they should bear and forbear with each other. Thev should give their minister great freedom of thought and great liberty, for there were many angles of truth and manv different ways of looking at tilings. He trusted that Mr Simpson’s ministry would be used in lifting weary, jaded men and women up to God and in bringing God down to man. There would be many difficulties and trials, but be knew that Mr Simpson would meet them bravely and firmlv. Mr W. J. Bardsley, in the course of a few remarks, referred to the wonderful history of the Hanover Street Baptist Church, and urged Mr Simpson to watch particularly the missionary side of its activities.

Speeches of welcome were also made bv Mr A. C. Stewart, Mr G. Meggett (on behalf of the deacons), the Rev. H. R. Turner (on behalf of the Otago and Southland Auxiliary), the Rev. W. A. Hamblett (president of the Council of Christian Congregations). Mrs Turner (on behalf of the wives of the ministers of the citv). and Mrs Hiett (on behalf of Use women).

Tu reply Mr Simpson said ho had been struck by (he genuine friendship which had surrounded him and Mrs Simpson since their arrival, and they both appreciated it very much. He was greatly impressed by the historic associations of the church, and came to it trusting in God He annealed to the congregations to put their trust in God rather than in him. because when people pinned their faith in a man they were often disappointed. There were great things still to be done in the church, but they must have His help if they were to he achieved successfully. Mr Simpson also urged his listeners to co-operate closely in the work of the church.

The prayer of dedication and the benedict’on were pronounced by the Rev. R. L. Finsdon. During the evening items were given hv Mi's J. J. Purdie. Misses H. Walker, R. Shrimpton and E. Ritchie and Mr J. Swan.