RECEPTION TO REV. MR AND MRS ROTHWELL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9160, 31 May 1901, Page 4

RECEPTION TO REV. MR AND MRS ROTHWELL.

The Theatre Royal was well filled last evening with a large and happy gathering of people, both young and old, assembled to extend a hearty welcome to Rev. B. F. Rothwell, the minister who has been selected to fill the pastorship of the Wesley Church m this district. It was pleasing to note that the welcome was not only well attended by Wesleyans, but by large numbers of the different denominations. In the early part of the evening .a soiree was held, and the wellladen tables were attended by a large number of ladies. The excellence of the 'repast was beyond question, and many thanks are due to the following ladies who presided at or assisted at the tables : Mesdames Skillicorn, Scotter, Oxenham, Harris, J. Chrisp, Grandfield, and Wilkinson; Misses East, Harris, Scotter, Thomson, Witty (2), Skillicorn (2), Erskine (2), Oxenham (2), Reynolds, Bull, Freeman, Birch, and Havers. Prior to the after-meeting, the City Band rendered several selections m front of the hall. The proceedings were presided over by-Mr John Tombleson, and started with the singing of the hymn "Crown, Him, Lord of All." Mr Tombleson, m extending the hand of welcome to Rev. and Mrs Rothwell, said that he had much pleasure m seeing so many representatives of other congregations there. He went on to explain to the newcomers that they would find the people of this district much the same as elsewhere — ordinary humanity. He reminded Mr Rothwell he was here to do his duty, and he was sure that he would perform it with the utmost zeal and energy. In the name of the congregation, and the people of the district generall- he extended al most hearty welcome to Mr and Mrs Rothwell. The song "Eternal Rest" was rendered by Mr Jas. East, who was m fine voice. The Rev. Canon Webb, m joining m the welcome, made a most humorous speech, and referred to his family connection with Wesleyans. He also read a letter of condolence from John Wesley to the Canon's grandfather on the death, of tbe latter's wife. Another great pleasure he had m welcoming Mr Rothwell was because he was a good prohibitionist. Miss J. Oxenham' s singing of "The Two Cities" was greatly appreciated. The Rev. J. G. Paterson, m extending his welcome to Mr Rothwell, said he would be pleased to give him any help m his work that he was able to give. He specially welcomed Mrs Rothwell, because she had gained her early tuition as a child at his church. .Continuing, Mr Paterson urged the ministers to work heartily together m the work of their Lord, and as" a co-worker, he heartily welcomed Mr Rothwell. In concluding, the rev. gentleman said he wanted a mighty outpouring of God's Spirit, and -made a most earnest plea for divine fire m the work of God. Mr Buckingham sang "Nazareth," and. had to respond to a most hearty and well-earned encore. Mrs Captain Hill, m filling the vacancy of her husband, who was away m Wellington, made a most effective speech. She gave several recollections of her knowledge of the Rothwells' good work m Otago_^years ago, and^ dealt at some length on the evils of intemperance. She concluded by prophesying a great revival m the work of the Wesleyan Church under Mr RothweU's direction. 'Mr C. A. DeLautour also joined m the welcome to Mr and Mrs Rothwell. He counselled Christians to beware of drift. Christianity, he explained, which was not alone given to the educated, was what he defined as life, the only everlasting Life, and that was the life that was wanted., The source ahd the force of this life were the same— the Christian's King. _He joined his prayers with all m wishing that Mr and Mrs Rothwell's work wonld be blessed. Mr Rothwell, on coming forward to return thanks, was loudly applauded. He said he had had many memories of days gone awakened. He said that there was no place m the Church for the grumbler ; they must not think that if they did not do their work God would let the Church go. He did not want to persuade people to" leave one church for. another. What he wanted was to bring m those that at present attended no church at all. He expressed the fervent desire, both of hfunself and Mrs Rothwell, to do good work for God m Gisborne. The Chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to those who had assisted to make the gathering such a success ; and a vote of thanks to the Chairman was carried by acclamation, on the proposal of the Rev. Mr Paterson. . The Benediction was then pronounced by Canon Webb, and the meeting closed.