MORVEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20093, 27 April 1935, Page 4

MORVEN

REV. J. TENNENT FAREWELLED A social and presentation to the Rev. J. Tennent and Mrs Tennent, who are relinquishing work in the Morven parish owing to the former having reached the retiring age, was held in the Morven Hall on Wednesday The stage was beautifully decorated, reflecting credit on the ladies responsible. The chair was occupied by Rev. W. F. Nichol. Seated on the stage were the Mayor of Waimate (Mr G. Dash), Rev. A. J. H. Dow’, who represented the Timaru Presbytery, and the Rev. L. J. Hodson, St. Andrews. Each testified to the earnest and thorough work of Mr Tennent, and wished both him and Mrs Tennent every success and happiness in their new sphere of work in Christchurch. Mr Dash touched on the humour of Mrs Tennent, and said that the inevitable laugh which followed a chat with her must have had a healthy effect, especially on those who were down in the dumps. In making the presentation to Mr and Mrs Tennent of a wallet of notes, the session clerk, Mr J. C. Hay, said that they were very sorry at the thought of losing the valued services of Mr and Mrs Tennent, whose faithful ministry of five and a-half years had resulted in the deepening of the spiritual life of the congregation, as evidenced by the greatly increased communion roll. No section of the Church, he said, came in such close contact with the minister as the church session, and the members could testify to the sterling worth of Mr Tennent. Mr Hay also paid a compliment to Mrs Tennent’s family Mrs Bruce. Mrs Turner, Mrs Margets. and “Jock”—all of whom reside in Christchurch, and whose musical talents had been in great demand during their visits to their parents at Morven, and who were ever ready to give of their best in the service of praise. Mr Chapman (Glenavy). Mr Caldwell (Morven) and Mr Scarlet (Willowbridge) also added their tributes. Applause greeted Mr Tennent as he

rose to reply. He said that his first impression of the little township of Morven was not very bright as he alighted from the train on a cold, dark evening, when the station was minus the electric light, but soon a torch shone in his face, and a band of the Kirk Session, headed by Mr Morrison, now of Waimate, gathered round him and gave him a most hearty welcome, and the gloom, which was immediately dispersed, was never again allowed to return. Mr Tennent paid a tribute to the members of the session, who, by rallying round him at all times, had been a tower of strength and a great inspiration to him. The greatest assistance of all, however, had been rendered by Mrs Tennent.

During the evening, bouquets were presented to Mrs Tennent by Mrs J. Stark on behalf of the Willowbridge branch of the P.W.M.U, and by little Ann Hay, of Morven. while a heather buttonhole was presented to Mr Tennent by Master Eric Stewart.

A musical programme was given during the evening, as follows;—lnstrumental trio, Mrs Blair, Messrs George Stewart senior and junior (violins); vocal quartet, Mrs J. K. Blair, Miss Vera Blair, Mr Sid Blair and Mr R. Sinclair; vocal solo, Mrs G. Murray: vocal duet. Mrs Bruce and Mrs Margets; vocal solo. Miss Smillie; anthem, Morven Church Choir, male voice chorus, Messrs R. Sinclair, J. K. Blair, Sid Blair. G. Stewart jnr. and J. Penna.

The programme concluded with the singing of “God We With You Till We Meet. Again.” After the benediction had been pronounced by Mr Tennent. all retired to the supperroom, where the good things supplied by the ladies were done ample justice to.