VALEDICTORY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17228, 7 April 1930, Page 6

VALEDICTORY

REV. IVO M. RAYNOR The Alangapapa Methodist Church was coinfoilably filled when church members and friends met to bid farewell and ■Hod-speed to the Rev. Ivo M. Raynor, who is leaving this district shortly. Mr. E. It. Atkinson occupied the chair, aim opened the meeting with a few words in reference to Air. Raynor's good work ii. tlu> circuit. Air. Atkinson wished him success and happiness in his new sphere of service at Mangonui. Air. Gkmvillo then spoke, saying ho a pleased they had been to have Mr. Raynor in Alangapapa. and that he had worked hard, and won his way into the marts of tlie people. They were sorry ,n lose him, and extended their very best wishes to him for the future.

'the next, speaker was Mr. G. 8. Vincut, circuit steward, who said that .Mangapapa was a fortunate church, being m a good and independent financial position, and having a number of energetic and enthusiastic workers among lie members. Mr. Vincent also spoke a appreciation of Mr. Raynor’s work, mil wished him success and God’s ■ ilessing in his new circuit.

The chairman then called upon Mr. R.

.. Seed, former circuit steward, who expressed his sincere regret at Mr. Raynor’s departure. Mr. Seed was cerain that they would hear of Mr. Raynor in his new circuit, and wished him the best in tlie future.

Mr. F. H. Forge, circuit steward, also spoke feelingly of Mr. Raynor’s sojourn in Gisborne," saying how glad he was to have had tho pleasure ot working with him, and that ho was very sorry Mr. Raynor’s time to move on had come. Mr. Forge spoke at length upon Mr. Raynor’s courtesy and faithfulness in service, and the great amount of good he had done. The speaker said he was sure they would hear more of Mr. Raynor in Hie future, that lie was worthy to wear the cloth, and would make his wav in the church’s ministry.

Mrs. Hudson, president of the Ladies’ Guild, then expressed the regret ol the ladies that Mr. Raynor was leaving them, and on ’behalf of the adherents ol Iho church Mrs. Hudson presented Mr. Raynor with a gift in appreciation of his faithful services to the church, and wished him happiness and success in the future.

In replying, Mr. Raynor thanked them all warmly for their kindness, saying it was hard to say good-bye to such good friends as the * Mangapapa people had nroved themselves to he. He spoke at length of the difficulties, problems and compensations of church work and answered many points raised by previous speakers. Mr. Raynor then earnestly solicited their loyal support for his successor and asked them to stand by him in all things. He stressed the help and encouragement he had received by a cheery word and smile, and requested the same for Mr. Blight. After thanking all warmly for their helpfulness and hospitality, Mr. Raynor concluded by saying he would long remember his friends in Mangapapa. A delightful supper and Hie singing of “Auld Lang Sync” brought the meeting to a close. During the evening a thoroughly enjoyable programme, was rendered, every item receiving a welldeserved encore.