WYNDHAM

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 7

WYNDHAM

MINISTER BIDDEN FAREWELL After being minister in charge of the Wyndham Presbyterian parish for the past two years, the Rev. Dr I. W. Fraser has resigned to take up the position ot chaplain at St. Andrews College, Christchurch. Before his departure he and Mrs Fraser were entertained at a social evening. The Rev. J. C. Loan, Edendale, interim moderator of the parish, presided, and the large attendance included visiting ministers and representatives of the various organizations with which the guests of the evening had been associated. Speaking on behalf of the Matauxa Presbytery, the Rev. Mr Kennedy, Mataura, said that although Dr Fraser had been with them only two years it had enabled them to appreciate his worth and calibre and had given him the opportunity to endear himself to all with whom he came in contact. It was because of this that they regretted his departure, but they rejoiced that he had been called to a sphere in Christchurch in which he was so well suited, and they wished him a successful career among the boys at the school. The Rev. Mr Morland referred to the high regard in which the guests of the evening were held by the members of the local Anglican Church. The Rev. Mr Robertson, as the representative of the district Methodists, testified to the eager manner in which Dr Fraser cooperated with the others. Other speakers were Mr Lance Harper, Mr Gower, Mrs D. N. A. Macpherson, Miss G. Simpson, Mr F. Diack, Dr J. H. Baird, Mr B. Hunter, Mr P. Campbell, jun., Mr D. Hunter, Mr J. Howe, Mr W. Johnstone and Mr F. J. Dunbar.

Mr Dunbar, after referring to Dr Fraser’s regular visits to the Southland Hospital and to the work of both Mrs Fraser and himself in fostering the Bible classes of the parish, said that at the request of Dr Fraser nothing in the nature of a presentation was being made to them, but it had been decided to hand Dr Fraser the increase in his salary that would be due this year, and he had pleasure in passing that on to him.

Dr Fraser, in reply, said his purpose in coming to Wyndham had been to preach the gospel to the people, during which he had tried to present the message through the word of God and make clear the vital parts of Scripture in relation to the times in which they lived. The opportunity had come for him to take up work in which he was vitally interested, and it would now be his duty and privilege to do both religious and non-religious work at the college and thus help some 200 boys to see life from the right angle. His stay in Wyndham had been a happy one, and he thanked the officers and members of the church organizations for the cordial relations that existed between them. Mrs Fraser also replied.