WYNDHAM NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20171, 6 May 1927, Page 10

WYNDHAM NOTES

CHURCH SOCIAL. (From Our Correspondent.) A large assemblage was present at the Wyndham Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening, the occasion being a welcome social tendered to the Rev. J. E. Adams, whose induction to this charge took place in the church during the afternoon. Although the climatic conditions prevailing during the evening were not very favourable for venturing out of doors, a large attendance was present at this function. Rev. R. D. McEwan of Edendale (interim Moderator) occupied the chair, and with him on the platform were Rev. J. E. Adams, Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon, Rev. F. M. Beattie, Rev. H. J. Malcolm, and Messrs D. Hay (Knapdale), Jardin (Brydone Home Mission), A. C. Wells (Mokoreta Home Mission), Mr Joseph Hunter, Gore, and Inspector Hunter of Southland Education Board. Proceedings opened with the singing of the “Old Hundredth,” followed by a prayer by Rev. F. M. Beattie. The choir then rendered the anthem “Greatly to be Praised” very acceptably. In his opening remarks the Rev. chairman stated that he was very pleased indeed to be present on an occasion such as the present. It was also a pleasure to him to have been “Interim Moderator,” and he sincerely trusted that Rev. J. E. Adams during his term in office would receive the wholehearted support of the congregation, as had been the case in the past. Congratulatory messages were received from Rev. J. E. Lopdell, Dunedin, and Eveline Presbyteries; also a letter of congratulation and good wishes from Kaikorai Presbytery. An apology for unavoidable absence was received from Rev. G. A. Dawson, Anglican Church. A very hearty greeting was extended to Rev. J. E. Adams on the occasion of his induction to the Wyndham Presbyterian Church by Rev. F. M. Beattie, who stated that he was very pleased to see that he was restored to former good health, and also congratulated the Wyndham people on securing the services of such an earnest Christian gentleman. In the name of the Gore congregation he had much pleasure in welcoming him to the Presbytery. Rev. H. J. Malcolm (Methodist), Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon, Messrs Hay, A. C. Wells, on behalf of their churches, and Mr J. Hunter (G.H.S.), and Inspector Hunter (5.E.8.) as personal friends, also extended a hearty welcome to the newly-inducted minister. Rev. Adams was then welcomed by the following gentlemen on behalf of their respective organisations, Messrs Samuel Shaw (Session), Dr J. H. Baird (Deacons’ Court), Frank Diack (Sunday School teachers), Kenneth Crump (Bible Classes), D. N. A. Macpherson (Choir), and finally Mrs J. D. Hopkins on behalf of the ladies of the congregation. The choir then rendered the anthem, “Lord, for Thy Tender Mercies’ Sake.”

Rev. J. E. Adams, on rising to reply, was greeted with a very hearty round df applause. He thanked the congregation for the hearty nature of the call and for the very warm welcome extended to him, also the various speakers for the many kind things said about him. He sincerely hoped that his associations with his brother ministers would prove both happy' and successful. He also wished the people to understand that he had come among them as their servant. —(Applause.) Dr J. H. Baird then referred in glowing terms to the services rendered by Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon, who had filled the temporary vacancy, and had endeared himself to the congregation to such an extent that they could not possibly see him go without showing him something of the esteem in which he was held by young and old alike. He then presented him with a substantial cheque. Rev. Wedderspoon thanked the congregation very much for the gift and also for the manner in which he had been treated during his stay in Wyndham, and he felt quite sure that Rev. Adams would be similarly treated.— (Applause.) Dr J. H. Baird again rose and stated that Rev. R. D. McEwan had now completed his duties as Interim Moderator, a position which he had carried out in a very capable manner, and as a mark of esteem for his services he had much pleasure in presenting Rev. McEwan with a cheque also. Rev. McEwan suitably replied. During the evening vocal items were contributed by Miss L. McLennan, “Like Stars Above”; and Mr D. N. A. Macpherson, “Thou Art Passing Hence.” Mrs R. D. McEwan favoured with a recitation. A very hearty vote of thanks to all speakers, singers and the choir who had taken part in the function, also the ladies for supplying supper, was proposed by Mr Thomas Ayson and carried unanimously. Rev. Adams mentioned that Rev. G. Jupp would occupy the pulpit on Sunday morning and conduct the Bible classes in the afternoon, in connection with the Missionary campaign which was taking place throughout the Dominion at the present time. Following the pronouncement of the Benediction by Rev. Adams a very delicious and bountiful supper was dispensed by the lady members of the congregation.