A NOTABLE RECORD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24254, 23 March 1940, Page 18

A NOTABLE RECORD

RETIREMENT OF DEACONESS SISTER LYSBETH HONOURED Tiie North-East Valley Presbyterian Church was filled on Wednesday evening with members and friends who had assembled to bid farewell to Sister Lvsbeth, who is retiring after 26 years of devoted service to the church as its deaconess. Sister Lysbeth's term of service in one congregation is a record in the history of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and it is believed by the session to be a record not only in years, but also in achievement From the beginnine she has given of hei

very best in all aspects of the work in addition to which she has voluntarily undertaken many duties which do not usually fall within the scope of a church sister's work. She has always placed in the forefront of her activities the true welfare of the congregation, and during the several vacancies has carried the full burden of congregational visitation. A deep and sympathetic understanding of human nature and her kindly ministrations to the sick, the needy and the aged have won her a place in manv u heart. •

Work amongst the mothers, and the girls and boys has been her special responsibility, particularly with regard to the Busy Bees, as leader of the Primary Department of the Sunday school, and as president of the Girls' Auxiliary. Because of her genius in organisation, her thoroughness with regard to every detail and her genuine interest in and love for the work, she has brought these organisations to a state of efficiency that is recosnised throughout the whole church. Her influence in all dgpartments of the work, and in these especially has not onlv abundant fruit, but must also of necessity yield, an even greater harvest in the years to come. Mjss A. Ross, presenting Sister Lvsbeth with a silver tea service and a handbag containing a wallet of notes, wished her. on behalf of those present all joy and happiness in the days to com?.