FAREWELL TO MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23161, 10 April 1937, Page 8

FAREWELL TO MINISTER

DEPARTURE FOR TIMARU In accordance with the system of the Methodist Church of moving its ministers periodically, the Rev. B. J. James, who has been minister of the Caver-sham-Abbotsford circuit for the past four years, will leave on Wednesday to taKe charge of the Banks Street Church, Timaru. During the week, farewell socials were tendered to Mr and Mrs James. At Abbotsford on Tuesday evening a crowded church said farewell. Mr Thomas MAhan presided, and, in presenting a wallet of bank notes as a token of esteem, spoke of the consolidating work that the departing minister and his wife had done. Members of the church were very sorry to lose them, but all knew they were eminently fitted to take charge of the large and histone church in Timaru. Mr W. Dickinson also spoke. Mrs Thomas Hill presented Mrs James with a silk parasol and a morocco handbag. Mrs Hill referred to the great work _ that Mrs James had done in the Ladies’ Guild, and also to her personal influence and wise leadership. . At Caversham on Wednesday evening there was another crowded attendance at a farewell social. Mr A. H. Harman presided, and eulogistic speeches were made by the Rev. C. H. Olds, who referred to the connexional work of the departing minister, as also did Mr J. G. Marshall. Other speakers were the Revs. H. Orchard. C. M. Sullivan (Presbyterian). R. L. Fursden (Baptist), and Messrs E. Smyth and J. Davidson, sen. The chairman, in presenting a dressing gown and an electric toaster, referred to the admiration the whole community had for Mr James as a man. He conveyed the thanks of the congregation _ for the sane and successful leadership of Mr and Mrs James. ~ „ x , Mr James, in reply, said that whatever success had been achieved was due to the congregational loyalty. He believed the great word in Christian service was “ sincerity.” He had tried to be that, and he was very grateful for their united response.