DIAMOND JUBILEE

Southland Times, Issue 22498, 7 December 1934, Page 11

DIAMOND JUBILEE

WYNDHAM PRESBYTERIAN ' CHURCH. SOCIAL REUNION. . (From Our Correspondent.) The Diamond Jubilee celebrations of this congregation were continued on Monday evening when a social reunion was held in the Church. Although the attendance was not so large as was generally anticipated, due principally to this being a busy time for the farmers, those present participated in a very enjoyable evening. The Rev. G. D. Falconer (parish minister) presided, and associated with him were the Principal, the Rev. J. Dickie D.D. (Moderator of the General Assembly), the Rev. W. G. Hannah (Moderator of Mataura Presbytery), and Mr W. A. McCaw (Southland Presbytery’s Moderator). Proceedings commenced with the singing of the “Old 100th Psalm”, after which the strong choir (under Mr Douglas Hunter) rendered an anthem, “Lord for Thy Tender Mercies’ Sake.”

Brief opening remarks were then made by the chairman. It had been his original intention to read at that stage the historical sketch compiled by Mr Arthur Strang and published in last Friday’s times, but, as there was a lengthy programme to be completed, and as the sketch had been published in the papers, it would be taken as read.

Letters of congratulations were received from all the living past ministers of the parish. The chairman then called upon Mr Samuel Shaw (Session clerk), to be the first speaker. After expressing his pleasure at having the 'honour of speaking, Mr Shaw said he had an apology to make for the' Unadvoidable absence of Mrs Paton (nee Clara Davey), who was to his knowledge the earliest Sunday school teacher alive. Mrs Paton was at present a patient in Cairnsmore hospital, Invercargill. Mr Shaw’s speech was mostly confined to the work done in the Sunday school, and to a report on the erection of the present new Sunday school hall. He had noticed in the Historical sketch, that Wyndham parish had had nine ministers, and of these he had known the last seven intimately-. The choir then sang “Anniversary Greetings.” Speaking on behalf of the Deacons Court, Dr J. H. Baird (clerk) congratulated the congregation on having attained its Diamond Jubilee, and on having erected such a fine Sunday school, which had been dedicated the previous day. He stated how pleased they were to have Dr. Dickie with them on that occasion, as they had all profited by his talks last Sunday. New Zealand theological students were fortunate in having Dr Dickie to guide