PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. W. C. HEINE.

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1808, 10 September 1874, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. W. C. HEINE.

A iaegh number of Germans from Nelson, the Waimeas, and Upper Moutere congregated at the latter place on Sunday last, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the arrival of their much respected Pastor, the Bey J. W. 0. Heine. The sermon was preached by the Bey Mr Meyer, of Eanzau, in the tastefully decorated German churoh, which was crowded to excess. Shortly after the conclusion of the service, about 130 persons sat down to a friendly luncheon in a building suitably fitted up for the occasion. After luncheon a silver tea and coffee service and a purse of sovereigns were presented to the Bey Mr. Heine with the following address :— "TO THB WOETHT PaSTOB HEIKE. " Twenty-five yearß ago, when the Colony of New Zealand was still in its infancy, and after two ships with German immigrants had settled down in Nelson previously, you, respected Pastor, were requested to remain amongst us as minister, instead of going to the natives, with whioh intention you came out to Nelson. Many of us remember how many difficulties you had to contend with at that time, and we wish to express to you our hearty and deepfelt thanks for the blessing and spiritual welfare which you have worked amongst us during the last twenty-five years through your preaching of the gospel. As a small token of our love and esteem, we beg you to accept from us this tea and coffee service and purse of sovereigns. May it please God Almighty to grant you many more pleasant and happy years in the midst of your family, and of blessed spiritual labors amongst us. This is our fervent wish and prayer on this 26th anniversary as our minister of the gospel." After the reverend gentleman had addressed the assemblage, a congratulatory address was handed to him signed by the Lord Bishop of Nelson and the Church of England clergymen residing in the district. A hymn brought- to a close a pleasant day, which will long be. remembered with pleasure by everyone present.