FIFTY YEARS A PRIEST

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 7

FIFTY YEARS A PRIEST

PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS.

ARCHDEACON EVANS HONOURED.

To pay tribute to the work done in Taranaki by Archdeacon F. G. Evans and Mrs, Evans, and in appreciation of the popularity of the socials, St. Mary’s hall was packed last night for the parish social. The opportunity was also taken of presenting, the archdeacon with an illuminated address in celebration of his fiftieth anniversary in the priesthood. After the introduction, during which Miss Colleen Davies presented Mrs { Evans with a bouquet, four couples arrayed in true Victoria costume came out from a side door singing the wtell known air “Rendezvous” with words adapted from the “Country Girl.” To dance music supplied by Mr. R. N. Renaud the party went through all the dainty and graceful movements of the old-time minuet, much to the admiration of the gathering, particularly the older section. The whole performance won enthusiastic applause, as much for the beauty and charm of the dance as for the manner in which it was executed and the great care and trouble obviously entailed in the preparation. The dancers taking part were Misses S. Thompson, F. Broad, J. Goodair and Mrs. A. J. Fyfe, and Messrs. E. W. M. Lysons, D. Menzies, Booth and A. L. Bryant. They were presented by Miss Howard Webb.

' An address was given by Mr. W. H. Skinner, who outlined the history of the parish from 1896, when Mr. Evans was sent down by Bishop Cowie to assist Archdeacon Govett. Finally as a result of that visit Archdeacon Evans received a request to continue as permanent assistant. In order to do that he had to relinquish his position at Te Aroha. Mr. Skinner also paid tribute to the great social work done by Mrs. Evans, The people's warden, Mr. Reube, presented the address, reading as “The parishioners of St. Mary's, New Plymouth, respectfully ask you to accept their hearty congratulations as at June 11, 1933, the date on which you completed 50 years of service as priest, during seven years of whch you were vicar of this parish. “In the great spiritual and social work of your later life you have been most ably assisted by Mrs. Evans, to the end that both of you are beloved throughout this district. “Your sustained interest in the lives of the people, your efforts for the amelioration of the lot of the afflicted and your arduous journeys to carry comfort and hope to the dwellers in the back country are part of the history of our community.

“We are deeply grateful for your lives of service and example, and wish you happiness and peace in the years of wellmerited retirement.” '■ The address was signed by-the vicar and vestry of tl?e parish. In his reply Archdeacon Evans declared that whenever he heard himself so praised he felt inclined to look behind him to see who was really responsible for all the good work ascribed to him. He wished to pay tribute, he said, to the wonderful example set him by his parents, both of whom were wonderful people. “I am looking forward to the day,” continued Archdeacon Evans, “when I shall meet them again. I hope that then my father will say to me, ‘Well done, my boy.’ ” Some time after he’ was first appointed to the parish of St. Mary’s, the bishop wished to extend the sphere of his work, but he himself was reluctant to leave the work in New Plymouth, continued the archdeacon. However, the calls for service in other parts of New Zealand were so many that at last he was persuaded to take other positions. His work in the baekblocks, the archdeacon admitted, was extremely difficult, but everywhere he was helped by the wonderful enthusiasm of the people. However, he was utterly worn out when the offer of the position at New Plymouth again came. Archdeacon Evans gave a number of instances of the type of work he was called on to perform in the old days. He found the work at New Plymouth easier than it might well have been because of the good work done before him by Archdeacon Govett. In all his work, too, he was assisted immeasurably by his wife, who always went with him; even on the most arduous of his journeys. Probably the most popular item on the programme, a recitation by Mrs. Evans, was received with enthusiastic applause. During the evening musical items were contributed by Misses F. Ritchie and J. Goodall (songs), and Messrs. B. E. Collinge, G. H. Vinnicombe (songs) and H. Ibbotson (violin solo). Accompaniments were played by Miss F. Broad and Mr. R. N. Renaud. An excellent supper was arranged by the Ladies’ Guild, assisted by members of the Young People’s Club. Later the floor was cleared for dancing, many people, young and old, staying to enjoy modern and old-time dances until midnight.