PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2474, 9 March 1893, Page 4

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, TEMUKA.

On Monday evening a farewell gathering in connection with the above Church was held to mark the departure of the Rev. Mr Woollass, who has been removed to a southern circuit. The gathering assumed the customary form of a tea, followed by a public meeting. At the tea there was a large attendance, a number of friends being present from Geraldine and the surrounding districts. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Metson, Robinson, and Wheeler, and Miss Brogden. At the public meeting Mr W. Smith presided, and the proceedings commenced with prayer and praise conducted by the Rev. Mr Woollass.

The chairman gave a brief introductory address, and expressed his pleasure at having taken part in the first quarterly meeting held in the new church that afternoon. They had erected a sanctuary that they hoped would last for many years. He recalled his first visit to Temuka, a visit which he believed led to his permanent settlement in their midst. He did not wish to take up their time by a long speech, because he desired that time should be given to the Rev. Mr Woollass to address them, not for the last time, but at all events for some time. They would all agree with him that their minister's services had been much appreciated, and had borne good fruit. The speaker then paid a graceful tribute to the Rev. Mr Woollass, and trusted that his successor would receive a hearty welcome from them, and also be assisted in forwarding the work of their Church. Mr Dalton, of Geraldine, on his first visit to Temuka, congratulated them upon their new church, which reflected credit upon the community and upon the Rev. Mr Woollass, who had furthered the work. He urged them to be worthy of it, to see that it was well filled, and that unity among the congregation was noticeable. Personally he could speak highly of Mr Woollass's ministrations, and regretted that he was about to leave them. Still he felt that it was a bounden duty to assist whoever was selected to succeed him. ' Mr Wm. Fletcher was the next speaker, and in the course of a humorous and pointed address referred to the preliminary work of erection of the church, in which he had been proud to assist. With regard to their minister, he hoped his career in Invercargill would be as successful as in Temuka. Their church system provided for frequent changes, and he believed it on the whole a wise arrangement, for there was always danger 0 f a congregation becoming " wedded " to a .minister. Their enterprise in building a nSW church had been fully justified by results. They had, independently of free labor, expended some £3OO, and he considered they had good value for it. In conclusion he tendered hearty thanks to the Rev. Mr Woollass for the assistance given in erecting that church and for his ministration among them.

Mr W. Sherratt (of Geraldine), as station steward, read the following statement of accounts :—lncome from Geraldine, £22 7s 9d ; income from Temuka, £l2 7s 3d ; income from Belfield, £L 6s 3d ; income from social tea, £2 5s ; total, £3B 6s 3d. No return had yet been received from Orari. Their outgoings would amount to over £4O, so they had something yet to make up. He joined with others in congratulating them upon the church, but regretted they had iLot yet arranged for a minister of their own. He believed if they had a minister officiating regularly they would have no difficulty in raising whatever money was required to meet their engagements. He must say from the way in which they worked it appeared that Temuka was likely to supersede Geraldine and become the head of the circuit.

The Rev. Mr Woollass, who was warmly received, after a few introductory remarks said he was glad to have had the opportunity of staying for a time among them. Undoubtedly he had received some instruction among them, but he hoped, nay, he believed, they had received some good from himself. He was proud that he had been instrumental in assisting them in erecting that church. He knew he came among them with a reputation for begging, and they had no doubt had some experience of his begging propensities. They had, however, received something for it. He was convinced that if they had a resident minister they would always fill their church. He was proud, as it was, to see how many now attended the church, and that without interfering with other congregations. When he thought of the friendly sympathy he had received among them it was with feelings of regret that he left them. There might have at times beau, some little friction between himself and tke officials, but if they laid their differences on mis .side .and worked together for their church iu a spkiiwal sense they were bound to go ahead. i f ifi congratulated them upon their faith, which, paused them to carry lightly the debt up&u their church. YVhen he came among them. Uwy were worried with a debt of £B^: now tfeay thought nothing of a debt of £206. T hi» he knew they would soon wipe off. Mr Woodward, his successor, he was assured would work well with them. They must give him their fullest sympathy, and assist him in every way. Be had done good work in Auckland and Timaru, and looked forward to a year of good work in Temukj. In conclusion he urged them to have continued faith in the Primitive Methodist Church and to work for it with all zeal, and by living to a high ideal ij rn the right to a share in eternal life. He thanked them fur their many kindnesses, and besought their prayers for the future. Mr Woollass's address was moat attentively received, and emphasized by a few remarks from the chairman.

TliP congregation then sang " God be •'H yoji till we meet again," Miss .Eva Goodev' **&MiVj} < lt the harmonium. Mr'J tub J' in a verv a P" propriMte speed), ***&*«& to regret at the departure of the >*• HvWoohaßß, a regret that he shared with J*' I"** 1 "** <><;*" side the church. He believed, he * lttu > under God's guidance, done more for the Church than any other. He felt an injustice had been done them when Mr Woollass had not been invited to stay longer. He wished him every success in his new sphere of labor. When Mr Woollrss came among them he (the speaker) was deputed by the Good Templars to extend a cordial welcome to him. He now, on their behalf, bade him farewell, and as superintendent of the Sunday School wished him a prosperous future. He then moved a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who presided at the tea, the choir, and the speakers. The vote was carried by acclamation.

The meeting terminated with prayer and the benediction.