REV. KNOWLES KEMPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 79

REV. KNOWLES KEMPTON.

FAREWELL BY THE CHURCHES. A very hearty valedictory social was tendered last week by the Hanover Street Baptist Church to the Rev. R. H. Knowles Kempton and Mrs Kempton, who will leave shortly to undertake new work at Whangarei. The school hall was filled by a large audience representing not only the Baptists oi the city, but other churches as well. Mr W. J. Bardsley occupied the chair, and there were with him on the platform the Revs. H. E Bell house, F. E. Harry, Tulloch Yuille, and Mr T. E. Toneyelifie. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P.) said he had come to hold Mr Kempton in affectionate regard. He had been brought into close association with him, and was glad to be able to pay an official tribute to his worth and work The city was losing a man it could ill afford to part with. He expressed the deepest appreciation of the services Mr Kempton had rendered to the city both as a minister and in other respects, and wished for him great prosperity in his new field of service. The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse, president of the Council of Christian Congregations, presented a eulogistic resolution adopted by that council and referred to the distinguished services Mr Kempton had rendered to all good causes in the city. The Rev. F. E. Harry, of Wellington, conveyed the esteem of the Baptist Union for Mr Kempton, and the Rev. Leslie J, B. Smith, on b9half of the local Baptist churches, also expressed the high esteem in which Mr Kempton was held. The Rev. Tulloch Yuille, M.A., 8.D., of Knox Crunch, praised Mr Kempton for his suavity, good humour, and humility as secretary of the Church Council. Knox Church and Hanover Street had always co-operated in perfect harmony. No man in the city had greater skill in clothing fine thoughts in choice diction than Mr Kempton. The Secretary (Mr H. H. Driver) presented to Mr Kempton a beautifully printed testimonial in suede. The testimonial was accompanied by a cheque for £7O subscribed by many friends as a token of their appreciation. On behalf of the women of the church, Mrs W. J. Bardsley presented Mrs Kempton with a handsome suitcase as a mark of their affection. Mrs Kempton suitably acknowledged the gift. The guest of the evening said this was only the third farewell he had had during the 30 years of his ministry. He only wished all the kind things that had been said of him were true. He appreciated highly the esteem which had been expressed, and thanked very heartily the church for its address and gift. He owed especial thanks to the chairman and to Mr G. R. Hercus for their abundant help. He appealed to the members to do their utmost to carry on the work of the Church with zeal and faithfulness. During the evening solos were sung by Misses Wneeler and Boyle and Mr H. P. Desmoulins and a duet by Messrs Prowse and Collins. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of the congregation. The social was opened with prayer by the Rev. 0. Dallaston and closed with prayer by the Rev. Eric Evans.