FIRST CHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 7

FIRST CHURCH.

FAREWELL TO DR MERRINGTON. In Burns Hall on Wednesday night the congregation of First Church extended a farewell to Dr and Mrs E. N. Merrington. Dr Merrington has been pastor of the church for five years. The hall was well filled. The stage was tastefully decorated with flowers and greenery. The chair was occupied bj the Rev. J. Kilpatrick, interim moderator of First Church. The presentation of a floral bouquet by a little girl to Mrs Merrington opened the formal proceedings. The chairman, speaking in the name of the session and office-bearers generally, said it was gratifying to see such a large attendance of the congregation. They had met to honour Dr and Mrs Merrington, and it was always pleasant to seek to honour people who deserved honour. Dr Merrington had now ceased to me minister of First Church, and he had assumed the duties of master of Knox College “ I would not say he has gone to a higher position,” added Mr Kilpatrick. “ I do not believe there is any higher position on God’s earth than that of preaching the everlasting Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Speaking for himself, Mr Kilpatrick said his connection with First Church had been very pleasant. It had been to him an exceedingly interesting time to come into contact with the members. particularly the older members, of the congregation.— (Applause.) Mrs P. Dick, president of the Ladies’ Association, presented Mrs Merrington with a couple of entree dishes, and spoke of Mrs Merrington’s devotion in all the branches of work that fell to her lot and of the bright and loving spirit she infused into all who were privileged to take part with her in the work of the church. The inscription on the presentation gifts was in these words: “First Church of Otago. To Mrs E. N. Merrington in affectionate appreciation of her devoted service and loving fellowship. November, 1923 —December, 1928.”

Mr J. Wallace, clerk of the Deacons’ Court, presented to Dr Merrington a wellfilled wallet, and in doing so voiced the appreciation of the congregation of the work of Dr and Mrs Merrington in First Church. They regretted' that Dr Merrington was leaving them, but they rejoiced that the General Assembly had recognised that First Church had brought to New Zealand the man it required for its great work in Knox College.—(Applause.) In a brief speech, Mrs Merrington expressed thanks in fitting words for the gifts handed to her. She said she had spent five happy years in the church, anc she would carry away many memories of love and pleasant fellowship.— (Applause.) Dr Merrington thanked the congregation for the gift they had so kindly given to him —a gift which, he knew, came from their hearts—and, above all, he thanked them for the sympathy and forbearance

they had shown towards him during his ministry in the church. During the time he had been, ini office in First Church he had been very interested in delving into the early records of the church, and though he had changed his position, he hoped he would still have time at his disposal to complete his biography of the Rev. Thomas Burns.— (Applause.) He desired to thank the office-bearers, Sister Eleanor, and others who had helped him in his work, and on behalf of his wife and himself he expressed his deepest gratitude for the kindess shown to them at all times. — (Applause.) During the evening musical items were contributed, and a pleasant time was spent in conversation when supper waf handed round.