ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXVIII, 12 September 1913, Page 2

ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH.

Welcome to Vicar.

The supper room of the Town HaU was crowded last night with members of the congregation of St. George's Church who had foregathered to tender a welcome to the Rev. A. W; Payne, M.A., who has recently been appointed to the charge of the Patea Parochial District. A. most enjoyable evening was spent by all, the proceeds iogs taking the form of a progressiva euchre tournament, with a short I concert programme added. ' During the evening Mr E. 0, Horner, People's Warden, on behalf of the patishiohers, tendered Mr Payne a most loyal and hearty welcome to the district. Speaking feelingly, Mr Horner stated that if he was any judge of character at all he had no doubt that in their new Vioar they had one who would be a force for good ?n the district. From what he had seen of him he had found him to be a man of many parts, one who would join ia their amusements and at the sitne have due regard for their spiritual welfare. He had arrived at a parOv v ticularly sad time, for the Angel of Death had been busy amongst them of late and there were many well known faces they missed that night on this account, He felt sure, however, that the hearts of all present that night would go out to the sufferers in their bereavement. With regard to the Church itself, speaking as their Treasurer, he had to thank, them ooe and all for the hearty support accorded him of late in regard to the Church's finances. Thanks to the generosity of •* their friends, the work of financing ths£>« recent restoration of the Church nod Sunday School presented no difficulties. The Lidies' Guild had also been instrumental in raising £25 for this work. He desired in particular to thank those who had come forward with loans towards the Church Rjs or* ation Fund. They could do wirh a few more sums yet and he hoped soue would come forward with the amouats needpd. He felt sure Mr Payne would help them during his stay amongst them, and he trusted he would have a happy time. (Applause); Mr Hemingway also spoke and said he felt sure that he was voicing the opinions of the m?n when he said they would pledge themselves to do all they could to assist the .Vicar in his ministry among them. , The Rev. A. W. Payne, who was heartily cheered on rising to reply, said he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for the most cordial welcome he had received on every side, He was more than grateful for their kind reception and he hoped he would be able to help them during his stay amongst them. He could assure them fiat with their loyal co-operation he had no doubt as to the future. He was not a pessimist by any means, and laughingly alluded to the story of ftxe two mioe wh ; ch feU into a bowl of cream, the pessimist giving up and drowning, whilst the optimist, swam around until the cream was churned into butter and escaped, He trusted that they would one and -all assist him in furthering the work of the Church in their midst. (Applause). The lollowing programme was then i gone through, eacu item being heartily received :-Song "Sincerity," Mrs H. P. Williams: song, '• Nearer Mv God to Thee," Miss E. Horner"; quartette, "God is a Spirit," Misses Carey and Johnson and Messrs J, H. Johnson and C. Cirey; son?, " When your Hair turns White," Mr F. Ramsbottom

At the conclusion of. the programme a bountiful supper provided 07 rha ladies was handed round, and a mist enjoyable evening was brought to a c!o3e shortly after 10 p.m.