FAREWELL FUNCTION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5601, 5 April 1943, Page 2

FAREWELL FUNCTION

ESTEEM OF CONGREGATION REV. AND MRS H. SPENCER HONOURED Proof of the esteem in which the Rev. H. Spencer and Mrs Spencer are held was evidenced at the Bryant Memorial Hall last night, when a large and representative gathering met to bid them farewell. The remarks of the speakers were highly felicitous and sincere, giving fitting expression of appreciation of the services so willingly given to the Church and the community by the guests of the evening.

Mr J. T. Johnson, circuit steward, presided.

Tributes to Mrs Spencer’s work for the Ladies’ Guild were paid by Mrs Poolman, who presented her with a bouquet and hanging mirror.

In thanking the Guild for the gifts and kindly thoughts, Mrs Spencer said the work had given her pleasure, and she would always have a warm spot in her heart for Te Awamutu.

Speaking as circuit steward, Mr Johnson said Mr and Mrs Spencer had set a fine example of service and leadership, and they parted with their guests with a measure of sorrow. He assured them that their work in Te Awamutu was appreciated, and he wished them happiness in their new sphere.

Other speakers were Mr N. Fear (congregation), Mr A. Brown (Bible Class), Mr K. Lewis (Choir). Mr A. E. Bryant (Sunday School and Boys’ Brigade), Mrs Dibble (country districts), Rev. F. Carlisle (Ministers’ Association), Mr W. J. Craik (Masonic Lodge), Mr W. Woodward (Papa kura), Mr J. R. Cullen, and Mrs N. Gallichan.

The presentation of an eiderdown and cheque to Mr Spencer was made by Mr Hall Raine, who expressed the wish that they would carry pleasant memories of Te Awamutu.

That people might draw greater strength and comfort from religion was the keynote of a brief but effective address in reply by Mr Spencer, who thanked the speakers for their generous remarks and the people for the more tangible tokens of esteem. He made special reference to the loyalty and co-operation of local preachers and officials of the Church, the Choir* and the Ladies’ Guild, and to the congregation for their great help and inspiration. Musical items were rendered during; the evening by Mrs Collison, Mrs Dibble, and Mr N. Grimshaw, and an elocutionary item bv Mr G. Cullen. The function concluded with a hymn and benediction.

Mr Spencer’s new charge is at Kingsland.