PRESENTATION TO MR HOLDGATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3511, 30 December 1885, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO MR HOLDGATE.

A very pleasing incident took place during the Wesleyan picnic at Gordon's .Bubd. on I Wednesday. Mr Edward HoMgate, who for twenty years has taken a very a< tive part m Sunday-school- work, has just resigned the otlico of superintendent, to which he Had been elected several years m cuccession, and the teachers and otfice-bearers decided to present him with a souvenir that would, while conveying to him their deep regret at his loss, uerre to remind him of those with whom he had labored so long and honorably. Accordingly a handsome testimonial was preprepured aud illuminated, and Burrounded by the portraits of those who had been teachers and oQiue-bearers during Mr Holilgato's | tenure of office, the whole was enclosed m a massive gilt frame, and thus formed a very beautiful picture. The scene at the presentation was one that will long be remembered by those who gathered around him who had no long been their chief. J he Rev. P. W. Fairclough. made the presentation, and m doing so referred m flatterterms to Mr Holdgato's labors, and expressed great regret at the loss tho school was incurring. Mr Holdgato. who was very deeply moved, replied m a few touching and earnest words, thanking those present for their handsome gift a c beliuved he had done right m not again stapding for Superintendent at the last election of officers, as he was of opinion that changes wei'e sometimes god, as they brought forward new men with new ideas. Although ihe address spoke of his severing his " active connection, 1 ' lie did not intend to entirely do ao with the school, but would always be glad to give whatever assistance lay m his power. Mr Moore, the newly elected Superintendent, assured Jlr Holdgate that they would always be glad to receive his counsel and advice. The testimonial runs as follows .- " To Mr Kdward Uoldgate, lute Superintendent of the Wesley an Sunday school, 'limaru. Dear Sir, —It was with feelings of the deepest regret that we, your fellow teachers and officers, learned that you had decided to resign the honorable office of Superintendent of the above school and so sever your active connection with us. It is now nearly twenty years since you first began your labors of love amongst us, and to attempt to state here what you have accomplished m that period, firstly as tettoher and lastly as Superintendent, would be useless. Moreover, we recognise only too plainly that m many cases words cannot ex-pro-s the debt of gratitude and love we owe you for the unwearied attention, great ca> c and kindness, and the very lively interest you have always displayed m your work, — a work which ranks among the most blessed, and wliich was especially commended by our Ueavonly during his brief sojourn on earth. We are sure you will remember with pleasure' the many happy mid usoful hours you have' passed m our midst> and although those memories may hero and there be tinged with sadness for the loss of dear and valued friends, you will look forward with renewed hope to meeting them m heaven. One thing we are quite conrident of, that is, it must always hiwe given you the greatest pleasure to watch the progress tlio suliool has made from time to tune spiritually, numerically and fiaaaciallf during the long t«m of your administrations. la 11, and as each anniversary came and went it tautt hare tn:ea with a deep eenae ol tbaokfuln«sa that jou thought over tbo great opportunities your Diviue Master had given you, and which all oJ us know you did your rerp beat to take adrsntage 01. We Biacere)j trust that when you look at the faces which surround theno few lines, you may have brought to mind memories ever dear to you, and see friends who hare always tried to follow faithfully m the lines of your teaching. Uevoutly trusting that you will over treasure this small Bouvemr and wishing yourself, &lra Uoldgate and family may ever have God's richest blessings, we remain yours m Christian fellowship." (Here follow the 2b names of those whose portraits surround the testimonials.)