VALEDICTORY

Otago Witness, Issue 3566, 18 July 1922, Page 60

VALEDICTORY

A DEPARTING CLERGYMAN. A large and representative gathering met in the Waitahuna Presbyterian Church on 1 July 5 to bid farewell to the Rev. and ! Mrs Bandy. Mr John Rose presided, and | in his opening remarks spoke of the regret felt by the congregation when it became known that Air Bandy had decided to accept the call extended to him by the Auckland Presbyterian Extension Committee. In making the presentation, which consisted of a roll of notes neatly tied up with ribbon and a spray of forget-rne-nots, Mr Rose said he wished to express to Mr and Mrs Bandy, on behalf of the congregation, its sincere regret at their departure. The congregation had ! learned to love and esteem them for their faithful service during the past three years, tie asked their acceptances of the gift as a token of tile affection and goodwill of tl;o congregation. Mr P. C. Durward (Lawrence) wrote apologising for his inability to be present and conveying his appreciation of their departing minister. Messrs Noble. M‘Corkindale, Murdoch, and Murray also spoke in appreciative terms of the departing guests, and of the good work done by Mr Bandy during his ministry in the district. His departure was a distinct loss to the church. Mr Bandy thanked them for the good wishes accompanying the gift. | His aim from the pulpit was always the i advancement of God’s kingdom. He had j endeavoured to get to the hearts of the people and to put before them the truths of tlie Gospel, insofar as his ability and knowledge permitted. On behalf of Mrs Bandy and himself he sincerely thanked the congregation for their generous gift, promising to cherish the flowers in memory of many happy days spent in Waitahuna, a period in w-liich they had found much happiness and considerable personal profit. An abundant supply of refreshments was banded round, and a pleasant time spent in social enjoyment. At the annual meeting of the F.W.M.U. Mrs Bandy (president) was made the recipient of a box of stainless cutlery from her fellow-members. Mrs M'Xeilly (vicepresident), in a few appropriate remarks, called attention to the loss the society was sustaining in the removal of their president. During the time that Mrs B;indy had worked among them the society had benefited considerably by her generous and winsome personality, her loyalty to the cause of missions, and her unostentatious work. Airs Bandy had endeared herself to them all. They one and all wished her God-speed in her new' sphere of labour. On replying, Mrs Bandy said her work had been a labour of love, and what s ecess had bee n attained had been made possible. by the sympathetic and loyal cooperation of her fellow-workers.* Bhe thanked them most sincerely for their kind gilt. It would serve as a constant reminder of happy days spent with them in the service of their common Lori!. Du Sunday morning Air Bandy preached an impressive farewell sermon to a large i congregation. At the close of the service j the congregation sang. “God be with you j till we meet again.” Mr and Airs Bandy I then took farewell of all at the door of i the church. They left next day for their j new cnarge at Tancatua (Bay of Plenty).