ST. MARY’S PARISH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20326, 27 January 1936, Page 6

ST. MARY’S PARISH

VICAR WELCOMED HOME FAREWELL SAID TO THE REV. J. EVANS Parishioners of St. Mary's Parish assembled in the Church Hall at the close of the evening service yesterday to extend a welcome home to the Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan and Mrs Monaghan, who returned last week from a visit to England, and also to say farewell to the Rev. J. Evans, who leaves this week to take up the position of vicar of Ross and' South Westland. The function was presided over by Mr R. S. Goodman, People’s Warden, supported by Mr W. W. Baxter, Vicar’s Warden. Mr Goodman explained the object of the gathering, and said that the vicar had now been in the parish seven years. At the end of the sixth year they felt that he had earned a rest, and he had just returned after an absence of 10 months. They hoped that he had been fully restored to health, and that it would be their privilege to have him with them for many years to come. They were also glad to welcome Mrs Monaghan home again, and to note that she was looking well and particularly happy. There had been various rumours concerning the vicar during his absence, but fortunately they had all been without foundation. Mr Goodman said that he did not think parishioners fully realised the tremendous amount of work there was in the parish, and he was happy to be able to announce that they had been successful in securing a full staff to assist the vicar. The work of the parish had been carried on faithfully and well during the vicar’s absence, and for this their best thanks were due to the Revs. Evans, Dunnage and Taylor. Mr Evans was leaving them after having served in the parish for four years. During the last ten months he had carried the burden splendidly, and their- most grateful and help him in his work. Mr Baxter spoke briefly, stating that he was sure all were exceedingly pleased to see the vicar and Mrs Monaghan home again. He expressed appreciation of the work of Mr Evans, who was loved by all parishioners, and he hoped the people on the West Coast would rally round Mr and Mrs Evans and heelp him in his work. Archdeacon Monaghan expressed thanks on behalf of Mrs Monaghan and himself for the warm welcome that had been accorded them. They were deeply grateful and thankful for the many things which had made their holiday possible. He was also grateful to Mr Goodman for his great help and assistance, and for the care he exercised over the speaker’s interests during his absence. Archdeacon Monaghan said that it was only after he got away that he realised how close he had been to a nervous breakdown, and he was deeply grateful for the holiday he had been privileged to spend. Another cause for thankfulness and happiness was the knowledge that the work had been carried on so well by Mr Evans, Mr Dunnage and Mr Taylor. He did not think that parishioners realised that Mr Evans had been asked, three years after his ordination, to accept the responsibility and burden of the Parish, of which there was none greater in New Zealand, to be asked to do so by the Bishop’s Warden and to have done it in the way he had. Mr Evans was going away as vicar of Ross and South Westland, and he was sure that Mr Evans’s stay on the Wect Coast would fit him for greater and more responsible work in the Church. Opportunity was then taken by Mr Goodman to present Mr Evans with a cheque as an expression of the esteem in which he was held by parishioners, and in appreciation of his work in the parish. Mr Goodman said that it was the wish of parishioners that Mrs Evans should also share in the gift. They had done splendid work during their stay in Timaru, and Mr Evans’s work for the Men’s Club had borne much fruit. Accompanying the gift was the sincerest and warmest wish of parishioners for a long and happy future. In acknowledging the gift, Mr Evans apologised for the absence of Mrs Evans. He said that he had come to the parish a poor man, but he was going away a very rich one. He did not mean that because of having received the cheque, but he had become rich in many other ways. He felt that he had received wonderful experience in Timaru, and had made friendships which would last a lifetime. He had had a wonderful training under Archdeacon Monaghan, and desired to thank him for all he had done. Mr Evans thanked Mr Goodman and Mr Baxter for the way they had supported him during the last 10 months, and concluded by saying that he would not say goodbye but au revolr,” I wish you all good luck in the name of the Lord.” The function concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.