WYNDHAM NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20949, 5 December 1929, Page 13

WYNDHAM NEWS

VALEDICTORY. (From Our Correspondent.) When it became known that Mr' G. H. Gifford, manager of the Wyndham branch of the Bank of New Zealand during the past eleven years, was about to retire from such office owing to his having reached the superannuation period, and would be leaving the district, the numerous clients of the institution and personal friends decided that it would be right and proper to tender Mr Gifford a farewell in keeping with his unimpeachable record as a banker and as an estimable man in a community sense. This function took place in the Town Hall, Wyndham, on Friday evening, and took the form of a social gathering, when the attendance was large and representative. Mr G. Hunter, chairman of the Wyndham Town Board, presided. Mr Gifford was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Patricia Gifford, and her companion, Miss Fletcher. The guests of the evening were invited to take seats of honour on the stage, amid applause, which was renewed when Miss R. Hunter, daughter of the chairman, presented the two lady guests with lovely floral bouquets. The following programme was contributed during the evening: Pianoforte duet, Mrs G. J. C. Smart and Miss L. A. Marsh; song, Mrs F. Ball; recitation, Mrs E. J. Traynor; song, Mrs R. Richardson; duet, Mrs R. Richardson and Mr M. C. Rice; song, Mr G. J. C. Smart; recitation, Mr S. Rice; pianoforte solo, Mrs G. J. C. Smart; song, Mrs J. L. B. Snell. Mrs Smart and Mrs Ball acted as accompanists. The chairman, addressing Mr Gifford, said that a very pleasing duty now devolved upon him, that of asking the guest’s acceptance of a cheque totalling a useful sum, the willingly contributed' gift of a large list of subscribers, in recognition of their departing friend’s very fine record as a business man and a gentlemanly citizen. Mr Peter Campbell said he deemed it a favour to do his part in connection with the farewelling of their guest, for he knew of no one who was more respected in a town and district than Mr Gifford.

Mr John Woods said that Mr Gifford enjoyed the esteem of the whole farming community, ever doing his best for the bank and its clients. He concluded with extending every good wishes to the guests. Mr H. Hunter said he had been closely connected with Mr Gifford in a business sense for some years, and had always found him courtly, considerate, and conscientious. Messrs A. H. Jones, J. H. Baird and C. E. Davey also spoke, expressing the hope that Mr Gifford and his daughter would long be spared in health, happiness and prosperity. Mr Gifford, who was loudly applauded on rising to reply, said that he felt almost overcome by the kindly sentiments that had been expressed concerning himself by the various speakers, and for which he thanked them very much. He admitted always having tried to do his best for his employers, as well as for the clients. He could recall numerous happy incidents punctuating his two terms of residence in Wyndham. He had always had a soft side for the people of the town and its surroundings ; likewise he fully appreciated the many natural beauties of the district. There were times when he became a little despondent when circumstances were not looking very rosy for well meaning people, but the thoughts and the testimony of that evening led him to feel while he had such confidence amongst the Wyndham clients of the bank he had represented, his work and record had not been in vain. The manner in which they had treated him that night on the close of his banking career absolutely exceeded all his expectations. He sincerely thanked the Wyndham community for their kindly feeling towards himself and Miss Gifford. Before dispersing Mr Gifford introduced his successor, Mr J. C. Mills, to the company. OPENING OF GLENHAM CHURCH. (From Our Correspondent). Sunday, December 1, marked an important event in the religious life of the Glenham community, in that it was the date of the opening of the recently completed Presbyterian Church, a beautiful structure in brick and fibrous plaster, with tiled roof. It is capable of seating upwards of a hundred people, besides having ample pulpit and choir-box accommodation, vestry with folding -doors (to be used as a Sunday School etc.) and a front porch. It is a credit to the local builder, Mr Robert Richardson, under whose supervision the work was carried out. Shortly before the appointed hour of 2 p.m. a steady stream of cars began to arrive at the rendezvous, until an estimated gathering of some 250 parishioners and well-wishers, representative of the surrounding districts from as far afield as Mataura on one side and Fortrose on the other, thronged the immediate environs. The parish Minister, the Rev. J. E. Adams, with members of the Loyal Orange Lodge for a bodyguard, took up his position at the church entrance for the purpose of performing the ceremony of officially opening the door. Prior to doing so Mr Adams said it was with regret that he had to announce that the service broadcast had fallen through owing to the machine failing to function at the last minute. Mr Adams then read the Scripture verses from the book of Revelations. A short prayer followed after which Mr E. C. Johansen (secretary of the Building Committee) at the request of Mr Adams performed the ceremony of turning the key and opening the door. The door now being formally opened the assemblage entered the Church for the dedication service, the visitors, at the request of the Glenham folk, taking precedence. Mr Adams presided, and was assisted by the Rev. R. D. McEwan (Edendale) throughout the service. On the right hand of the pulpit the choir (Mr E. C. Johansen, conductor, Miss Lily Templeton, organist) were seated; on the left of the pulpit seats were reserved for members of session viz. Messrs R. J. Irwin, T. M. Strang, S. Shaw, J. Smith, A. Howe, T. Ayson, F. Diack and C. McKelvie; while the two front seats were occupied by the Orange Lodge Brethren. Mr Adams read the Warrant of Dedication, members of the Session standing throughout. This done the congregation stood while the words of dedication, indicating the purposes for which the building was to be used, were proclaimed. A prayer of dedication followed, after which the dedication hymn “Be with us Gracious Lord To-day” was sung.” The choir sang the anthem “Sing Praise to God.” The Rev. McEwan then addressed the young people, taking the words “I have set my affections on the House of the Lord” for his text, and making a simple but earnest appeal to the youth of the church to have and cultivate knowledge of Christ. Mr Adams expressed his thanks to the visitors in joining with them in the celebrations in such large numbers. He also wished to thank the Orange Lodge Brethren for kindly donating a handsome Hymn Book for pulpit use. Mrs W. Bennet sang “How lovely are thy dwellings,” Mrs C. F. Hunter accompanying on the organ. Mr Adams gave the address, taking as his text the following verse from the 84th Psalm: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” The speaker showed how from the earliest days man had had a house in which to worship to God—first the humble tent in the desert, and later the beautiful temple at Jerusalem. If any precedent was required for building beautiful and costly churches, the temple of Jerusalem was adequate proof. Many today considered that churches were unnecessary, and that God could be worshipped in the hills, on the beach or in the fields. Thus some went picnicking on Sunday, or worked in the gardens etc. But it was the God of Nature these people worshipped not the God of Mercy, Pity and Love, that poor sinners so much needed. Business men especially needed the steady influence of Christian worship, and to cultivate the habit of church going. Christ did so, getting the habit from his parents. In like manner, parents ’ of to-day should take, not send, their children to the House of God. The

humblest worker was privileged to work for God, and all who did so were pleasing God. In conclusion Mr Adams said the smallest congregation was part of the Church of God, which in the end would be Church Triumphant.

An impressive and interesting service concluded with the singing of the hymn “Pleasant are thy Courts Above,” and the pronouncing of the Benediction. The celebrations were continued in the evening when there was again a large congregation. Mr Adams again occupied the pulpit, and delivered appropriate addresses. Hymns suitable for the occasion were sung, the choir sang an anthem, and Mrs Robertson contributed the solo “Thanks be to God.” The collections for the day totalled £2O 5/10.

It is interesting to recall that the project was initiated at a meeting held in Glenham in May, 1928, and that to-day the building, which costs over £lOOO, stands free of debt. For such achievement credit must be given to the committee, the personnel of which is as follaws: Rev. J. E. Adams (chairman), Messrs E. C. Johansen (secretary), C. F. Hunter, T. Hunter, W. Bennet, G. Templeton, ■W. Aim, J. Robertson, J. Rabbiage, and J. Henderson.