MOSGIEI

Otago Witness, Issue 2647, 7 December 1904, Page 35

MOSGIEI

I A representative congregational meeting of , the Mosgiel Presbyterian Church was held on i ■ Thursday evening, 24th iust., the Rev. J. M. j M'Kerrow occupying the chair. After the sing- . ing of the 100 th Psalm and devotional exer- , cises the Chairman said that they had met ' to wish God-speed to Mr and Mrs J. C. Hodg&s, j who, after long and faithful work, were about ! to leave the district and enter, into private ' ■ li/e. He was sure they all felt regret at the j 1 severance of such old ties, but behind that ' there would also be feelings of profound thankfulness to God that their fritjnds had been so long permitted to be with tEeni as active workers in Christ's Church. Mr M'Kerrow then spoke of his own personal knowledge of Mr Hodges in the Kirk Session, the Managing Committee, and the Sunday School, paying him a deservedly high tribute for the thoroughly efficient and devoted manner in

which he had carried out the duties of his nipny offices. There were many qitalities in Mr Hodges which appealed to all who were closely connected with him. His life and character were consistent, and he was most diligent in performing any work which he took in hand. In addition to this, he brought to bear such practical wisdom, originality, and business fitness, which in themselves made him capab'e of doing special work in the church: — (Applause.) They must not, however, overlook the fact that he had been ably and graciously assisted by Mrs Hodges, who had earned their estsem and affection by the way in which she had aided her husband and helped the church. — (Applause.) On behalf of the congregation, Mr M'Kerrow then presented Mr and Mrs Hodges with a very handsome silver tea paid coffee service, together with a beautiful Mosgiel rug, wishing them at til.: same time long life and happiness. Mr John Drydcn referred to his long association with the recipient, whom he esteemed very highly, not only for the good work he had done in and out of the church, but for his many personal good qualities. Mr Dryden also paid a compliment to Mrs Hodges, characterising her as a sterling woman. — (Applause.) Mr J. M'Kinnon voiced, the opinion of many when he described Mr Hodges as a man of many parts and of great judgment. He wished him long life and happiness in his retirement. Mr Hodges, who was received with a genuine round of applause, expressed the heartfelt thanks of himself and Mrs Hodges for the becutiful gifts, stating that he would treasure them as tokens of the people's goodness. It wag very pleasant, he said, to feel that one had. so many friends, for the power of friendship had a helpful and an illuminating effect on our lives. He cherished many pleasant recollections of the years spent vo. Mosgiel. It had always an attraction for him, and he regretted leaving it, with its many pleasant associations. During the evening- the church choir, under Mr J. Prentice, rendered several anthems very effectively, and Miss Frew sang tho " Star of- Bethlehem." The pronouncing of the benediction brought the irreeting to a close. On Sunday afternoon, at the Sunday School, Mr Hodges was also presented with a very/ handsoms Bible from the teachers^, and with a silver-mounted umbrella from the scholars, as a further mark of affection and esteem;