PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1478, 11 March 1886, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

A tea and public meeting was held last Monday evening in the Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka, for the purpose of bidding farewell to the Rev. Mr Clark, who is leaving the district. The tea was partly supplied gratia by some members of the congregation, and partly catered for by Mr Barr, and wan excellent iu quality and abundant in quantity. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Prattley, Bryant, Austin, Woodman, Woodley, and Fletcher, and about 70 persons sat down to tea. After the good things had been done full justice to, a public meeting was held at which Mr Fletcher presided. He explained the object of the meeting to be to hid 1 the Rev. Mr Clark good-bye, and signified hi* great pleasure at seeing so many present on that occasion. He spoke . very feelingly of Mr Clark leaving the district, and bore testimony to the good fae had done during the time he had been amongst them. Addresses were also given by Messrs W. Smith, Metaon and Eopa, an 1 the Rev. Mr Thomas, all of whom spoke with great regret at Mr Clark leaving the district. Th* Rev. Mr Clark iu reply said that he had always felt great pleasure in coming down to Temuka to hold services, as he found the people very sympathetic and kind. He had made a great many friends during the two years be was amongst them, and it was not without feeling of great regret that he was leaving them. He felt extremely glad at the way the previous speakers had referred to him. It did him good to hear that he bad been the medium of contributing to their spiritual wellbeing. In concluding an eloquent address be exhorted them to keep faithful to religion and to do all in their power to assist bis successor. During the evening several hymns were sung by the choir under the leadership of Mr J. Woodley, and a cornet duet was played by Mr D. Bryant and his brother Arthur very cleverly. At the close of the meeting Mr Russell proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers, and expressed great pleasure at seeing that the congregation and their Minister were so united. Ho also read the following address whiob he presented to the Rev. Mr Clark on behalf of the Blue Ribbon Army. “To the Rev. Mr Clark.

“ Dear Sir,—ln compliance with the rules in force in the Christian denomination to which you have the honor to belong, we are advised that yonr early removal from South Canterbury is imminent, and that this night’s meeting is convened to say ‘ Good-bye ’ to your many friends. On behalf of the temperance people of this district, we have authority to say that we are indeed sorry to say “ Good-bye ” to you. You have taken great interest in this cause among us, at considerable inconvenience to yourself, through your zeal for the welfare of your fellow men and women, and we need scarcely attest that your services have been appreciated. In all your eocisl intercourse with the promoters of the movement here, your bearing baa been affable and courteous, yet serious withal, always maintaining the dignity appertaining to your sacred office. Before saying ‘Good-bye’ to you, we would convey to you our pleasure at seeing so young a man so far advanced in the noble rank of the ministry and mission field, and we are convinced that your future career will fully testify to the bright prospects you so early indicate. Our earnest desire is that you may go forward 1 conquering and to conquer.’ The world needs men who 4 dare to be a Daniel.’ During the future events of ministerial work, it may be that, in the order of Providence, we may be able to associate again together, but, if not, please to accept our best wishes for your future prosperity and advancement in any district where yon may bo called upon t 1 l ibor. Wo would regret losing so valuable a friend, and so wise a counsellor, if we were not persuaded that distance cannot annihilate communion of thought ; and, although you will be absent in body, your prayers and sympathy will be extended to those so recently held in bonds of fellowship. “Thos. A. Hamilton, President; “John Cooper, Secretary; “A. Russell, Treasurer ; “ Ww. Fletcher, “ Robert Metson, “Job Brown, “P. McCaskill, “ G, Daybt, “David Treasurer Salvation Army Committee.”

The Rev. Mr Clark replied in suitable terms, and said ho would be always very happy, to do anything in the cause of temperance. The meeting terminated with the usual rote of thanks.