WORK FOR CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1935, Page 6

WORK FOR CHURCH

MR. AND MRS. HICKSON HONOURED STRATFORD FAREWELL SOCIAL. Glowing tributes to the services given over a long period to Holy Trinity Church, Stratford, by Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hickson were paid by a large number of parishioners at a social at the parish, hall, Stratford, on Wednesday night, when a presentation was made to them. Mr. Hickson, who is shortly to live permanently at New. Plymouth, has resigned his position of choirmaster and Mrs. Hickson, who is already living at New Plymouth, has relinquished her work as a teacher in the Sunday school. The hall was filled. He was pleased to see such a large attendance, said the Rev. K. J. McFarland. Mrs. Hickson had for many years been a teacher in the Sunday school and superintendent in the kindergarten, and the children loved her. In addition to his work as choirmaster, Mr. Hickson had given splendid service in keeping the church grounds in order—a work few knew about. Regarding the choir, a sound indication of the real value of his work was given in his last year, when three fine works were produced, Olivet to Calvary, the 42nd Psalm and parts of The Messiah. The 42nd Psalm was particularly important. On behalf of the parish Mr. McFarland thanked them both sincerely. They had been good, honest, faithful workers for Holy Trinity Church. The people’s warden, Mr. H. C. Johnson, added his personal tribute to that of the vicar. On behalf of the parish he presented to them a silver coffee service. Although his acquaintance with Mr. Hickson had been comparatively short, he had learned enough about him tc admire and respect him, said Mr. I. N. Menzies, choirmaster. There could be no doubt of Mr. Hickson’s ability. He was a man of wide choir experience and one who really loved his work. On behalf of the choir Mr. Menzies presented Mr. Hickson with a book.' Both hi and his wife had taken a keen pleasure in their work for the church, said Mr. Hickson, but neither could have done what they did alone. Mrs. Hickson had had a splendid band of young helpers and he had received enthusiastic support from the choir. Concert items were given by Mrs. Harris (songs), Mrs. Stokes (recitation), Mrs. Masters (songs), Messrs. P. T. Aitken and E. Walker (duets), Miss Belcher (recitation), Mrs. Crabbe (songs), Mesdames Harris and Masters (duets) and Mr; Aitken (songs). A large orchestra led by C. H. Rogers, and comprising Mrs. Wynyard (piano), Miss. Howard, Miss Rogers, Miss D. Carryer, Mr. F. Sanderson, Miss N. Larcom, Miss Naish, Mr. C. S. Kelly (violins), Miss Duffill and Mr. R. G. Marsh (cello), Mr. C. Femmel (bass), Mr. C. Galbraith (clarinet), Mr; A. Dick (flute), Messrs. W. Elliott and A. J. Kelly (cornets) and Howard (horn), provided three items. Music for dancing was provided by Mrs. Max and Mr. L. Feek. Mr. D. C. Latham was master of ceremonies.