MINISTER FAREWELLED

Opunake Times, 2 April 1948, Page 3

MINISTER FAREWELLED

REV. & MRS. R. E. FORDYCE SINCERE TRIBUTES A large and representative gathering of parishioners and friends from all denominations assembled in the Drill Hall on Tuesday evening to bid farewell to Rev. R. E. Fordyce and Mrs. Fordyce and family, who are shortly leaving on transfer to Port Albert after 5 years as Methodist Minister in the Opunake Circuit. Mr. J. Donald (Warea) acted as announcer. A number of apologies were received. Speakers were: Mr. Donald, Rev. Currie (Okato), Mr. R. B. Crok© (St. John Ambulance), Sister Mavis Dickie (Maori People), Mrs; J. A. Stevenson (Plunket Society), Rev. Benny (Manala), Mr. J. Hewson (M.U.1.0.O.F. Lodge), Mr. D._ M. Jillett (Home and School Association), Rev. Berry (Sister Churches), Mrs. A. N. McGaughey (League of Mothers), Mrs. R. Hughson (Ladies’ Guild), Mr. H. E. Collins (Scout troop Committee), Mr. J. A. Pettigrew (Methodist Parishioners) and Miss Myra Dew (Bible Class).

The Mayoress, Mrs. R. H. Hughson, expressed the feelings of all members of Women’s organisations when she spoke of Mrs. Fordyce’ s cheerful and enthusiastic co-operation and fine work as president of the Methodist Ladies Guild during the past 5 years. Mrs. McGaughey also thanked Mrs. Fordyce for her understanding and interest in affairs concerning children and mothers in the town and district. Mr. D. M. Jillett supported other speakers in expressing thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce for their energy and cheerful readiness to serve the community in many ways. He, also referred particularly to Rev. Fordyce s splendid work in the organisation of the Home and School Association.

Mr. Pettigrew stated that Rev. Fordyce was a man of strong convictions but he had always consulted officials of the church for an opinion, and the relationship had been most pleasant. “The Family has made a worthy contribution to the community’s welfare,” be added in expressing the general opinion of all speakers;.

Mrs. C. Sorreusen presented Mrs. Fordyce with a beautiful o y and Rev. Fordyce with a, buttonhole spray, and the following- presentations were made: Eev. Fordyce; Mr. Pettigrew a cheque on behalf of Methodist parishioners; Mr. 11. E. Collins, Silver Pending Lamp; IroopLeader Alan Hughson, Torch. .Mrs. Fordyce: Mrs. Huglisou, two settee cushions (Ladies’ Guild). Miss Myra Dew presented Mavis and Arthur Fordyce with books from.the Bible Class children.

Enjoyable items were also rendered by Mrs. D. Coltart : (Violin Solos); A group of Maori ■ Schoolgirls (Hymn in Maori, Song and Action Song); Miss Finlay (Vocal Solos); Mrs, Malcolm (Monologue) and Mrs. Goodman (Okato) (Elocution), Mr. D. Pickards and Mrs. Hughsou acted as accompanists. Supper was also provided by the Ladies’ Guild. ftev. Fordycs’s Remarks Rev. Fordyce in returning sincere thanks said that in the 34 years of his service in the ministry he had not previously experienced such a large farewell gath'erng and it was a bit overwhelming. “We came here as strangers and are now leaving a great number of friends behind,” he said in referring to his happy associations with the various organisation previously mentioned, and with officers of the church throughout the circuit. Pev. Fordyce emphasised the need for greater interest in the church and its teachings. He also strongly advocated the reintroduction of the Nelson system of religious instruction in schools. Referring to his lone-handed - fight against the liquor traffic in Opunake, Pev. Fordyce said that as a minister, he had seen the degrading influence of drink in Opunake homes—the unhappiness caused to wives and lads and girls-—but bis efforts were not supported by clfurch folk. If given loyal support in bis campaign lie felt that he could have done much to stop the hated excessive drinking, which was a scandal in this town, and he expressed the hope that others would carry on where he was forced to leave off. Rev. Fordyce concluded by thanking everyone for their kindness and the lovely gifts received by his family. Mrs. Fordyce also suitably replied.