REV. S. BUCHANAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14392, 6 January 1911, Page 3

REV. S. BUCHANAN.

FAREWELL SOCIAL. The members and friends of the Independent Free Church assembled in full force on Wednesday evening for tho' purpose cf bidding farewell to their esteemed pastor, R:iv. S. Hucih inula, and Mrs Buchanan, who arc leaving to take up work at the Upper Hutt Presbyterian Church, Wellington. Air C. E. Rawiings occupied the chi.ir. After a short programme of music-and recitations, Mr A. J. Jones voiced the very deep regret of the members .of the church at the loss of a. I'.Vstor who had so endeared ' Jiimsel f to all their hearts. Mr Buchanan had uot only helped them by his pulpit lil'nistrations, but he had been a true tnend to them in every way. In their ii.in.es he and Mrs Buchanan had made thent selves welcome visitors, by their Kindly help and ad rice in time of used. Most of them felt that niglit a. preat deal more titan they could poss'b'y express. They could.only assure I.le:r departing pastor and his wife of th--'"r heartfelt gratitude for the past, and their best of good" wishes for the future. ?

On behalf of the Timaru Ministors' Association, the Rev. A. E. Hunt oxpressed their deep Tegret at the departure of one who had proved himself a faithful minister and pasiar, a loyal friend, an earnest worker in. every good cause, and a genial colleague. Timaru would be the pcorer for the loss of Mr Buchanan and his wife. They had rendered service that would not be forgotten, and they wcj'd be followed to their new sphere by the good wishes of all who had been asscciated with them iu the various departments of work. Mr A. J. Jones then asked ilr Suchanan to accept a travell.ng bag, a.:d Mrs Buchanan a silver teapot, as Eome little token of the love and esteem of the members, and with the gifts would go the lovo and good wistts which they felt they could ,iot ~ut jnto words. Miss Lennie, ou behalf of the children and teachers of the Sunday School, also presented Mr .'jiioiianan with a set of gold sleeve links, jt(l in a few well chosen words, expressed the good wishes of the young people. In"" bis reply, Rev. S. Bucuiu-in said no one could realise how hard -i was for him H) reply to the kind things that had fecop said. During his nine vears' ministry m their' ra dsi he had met with such kindness, avid such loyal assistance, that to p;iit from them was a keen wrench, flo had honestly tried to be their frie.iJ. Their joys and sorrows, their burd'-ics. and caves, be had shared with tbem He thanked them for the love they had shown to Mrs Buchanan, and himself, for the help they had lews. te iiini, «nd for tho very kind wishes they had expressed that evening. He would Tke to bhiiiik tlio members of the committee for thei*' iajfjtfnl service, and especially would he like vc thank Mr Jones, 'who had befit hie rhdit hand man all through, -in hehalf of Mrs Buchanan and himself, he thanked jho friends for their ;r''t s • and the love :<nfl good wishes thc-y represented, and assro-ed them mat their good wishes were tmeersly if;ciprocated. Members were given an 6pportu.i-.ty of adding personally to the many lit.d things that had been said officiary. A verse of "God he with you till »o meet again," and the benediction, brought the meeting to a close.