METHODIST CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 20663, 19 April 1929, Page 4

METHODIST CHURCH

A NEW MINISTER. INDUCTION AT GORE. After a very successful ministry at Roxburgh, the Rev. A. N. Costain accepted a call from the Gore Methodists that he should change the sphere of his labours to Gore. This agreement was confirmed by conference, and on Wednesday evening the Rev. Costain, in the presence of a large congregation which included a good number from Matarua, was inducted to the pastoral care of the charge. The Rev. James Richards (Mornington) presided, and he had with him Rev. W. Gatman (Milton).

The Rev. J. Richards said he was present in the place of one of the leading men in the church the Rev. A. C. Lawry, who was to have taken the service but was indisposed, but he sent greetings. In the course of an interesting address, the Rev. Richards said he had known the Rev. Coetain as a brother in the ministry, and as his new people came to know him better they would find that, he had a virile brain and a loyal heart. He came to Gore to do all he could for the church and for his lord and Master.

The Rev. Richards then put to minister and congregation the questions prescribed for the occasion, and these having been satisfactorily answered he inducted the Rev. Costain to the pastoral care of the charge.

The Rev. Gatman addressed the congregation, and in the course, of a very fine address he said the induction of a new minister was a time of. great expectancy and it. also marked a historical change. The people were looking to the new minister, expecting great things. In his last charge Mr. Costain had done a great work, and there were sad hearts at Roxburgh due to his" leaving. At Gore he believed Mr. Costain would find opportunities to continue his labours for good. Mr. R. W. McCreath, on behalf of the church officers and. the people, welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Costain to Gore, and assured him of the wholehearted support of the circuit stewards. The heart of Methodism in the district was sound, and they were expecting much from the new ministry.

The Rev. Costain briefly returned thanks, and asked for the prayers, sympathy and co-operation of his people. A social hour was then spent in the church hall, .speeches of welcome being made by the Revs. J. C. Paddison and 11. Gaut. The new minister was then introduced to his people.