NEW MINISTER WELCOMED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21089, 15 July 1938, Page 14

NEW MINISTER WELCOMED

Chalmers Church Supply Preacher From Chicago Enthusiastic Gathering An enthusiastic welcome was extended to Dr. J. Morriston Thomas and Mrs Thomas, of Ravenswood, Chicago, by about 303 members of the congregation of the Chalmers Church, Timaru, last night. Dr. Thomas, who is visiting the Dominion after a period of 25 years in charge of the Ravenswood Congregational Church, will occupy the pulpit at Chalmers Church during the next 10 weeks Regret that the Moderator, the Rev. James Baird, was unable to attend the gathering was expressed by the chairman. Mr W. S. Young, an cider of Chalmers Church. He extended a welcome to the members of the Congregational Church of Timaru. who were in attendance. On behalf of Chalmers Church he expressed sympathy with them in the problems that were confronting them at present, and expressed a hop? that it would not be long before they would be able to overcome their difficulties. “We are exceedingly fortunate in being able to solve the difficult problem which always occurs during a vacancy.” continued Mr Young. “We are exceedingly fortunate in being able to get such a distinguished preacher as Dr. Thomas, who has been in his present charge for a period of 25 years. Women’s Welcome „“It is my privilege to welcome you on behalf cf the most numerous part of the congregation,” said Mrs D. S. Kemshed. who spoke on behalf of the women’s organisation of the church. They hoped Dr. and Mrs Thomas would have a happy stay in Timaru. They had looked forward to their coming. I “You were indeed a veritable gift I from Heaven to Chalmers Church.” continued Airs Kemshed, who said tiie congregation would always be grate-

REV. DR J. MORRISTON THOMAS

ful that it had been able to get such distinguished ministers to officiate. She was sure that Dr. Thomas would be able to brin-, to them somethin:: new and inspirational. It was a privilege to people in the Dominion to meet such overseas visitors, and particularly visitors from such a large continent. She was sure that before Dr. and Mrs Thomas returned home the con-, rogation of Chalmers Church would have been educated in many senses of the word. She hoped the visitors would . find their : tay in Timaru as enjoyable as the people of Timaru hoped to enjoy their stay. A Warm Hearted People “You might have felt to-day that Vou have come to a very cold climate, but I can assure you that you have i-ome amongst a very warm hearted people,” said the Rev. J. Milburn Stewart, who extended a welcome to Dr. Thomas and Mrs Thomas on behalf of the Congregationalists of rimaru. He hoped that they woula be given the opportunity to see the ivonderful sights that New Zealand had to offer. They had come to a church ;hat would give Dr. Thomas deep sympathy Sunday by Sunday, and he <new that the members of the congregation would give him encouragement. “I wish to say a word of thanks to j’ou all for your kindness to me during I :he last month,” pid Mr Stewart to :he congregation. He had enjoyed the vork in connection with Chalmers I Church. When he left Timaru it vould be with sincere regret, but he vould leave with happy memories of aappy days spent in a most beautiful own. He hoped the congregation of Dhalmcrs Church would extend to Dr. rhomas the same sympathy that it aad extended to him. “We have heard a lot about Dr. rhomas. but Mrs Thomas is also a iistinguished personality,” said Mr Young, who added that Mrs Thomas vas a graduate and medallist of the Academy of London. “We don't have to hope that your learts are not cold because we know hat you have warm hearts as we have ilready had evidence of it,” said Mrs Fhomas, who was presented with a >ouquet. Assistance Required Appealing to the congregation to issist him to make the best of his stay n Timaru, Dr. Thomas said that perlaps the inspiration they might foster luring the next 10 weeks might .help hem throughout the years to come, le did not know of any institution iiorc needed than the Church, and if ie could strengthen that conviction bring his stay in Timaru he would eel that his visit had been worthwhile. “The Church is fighting for its life,” e declared. “We want to bring back hose great days in which the Church ras dominant in the life of the nation, ot a negligible factor but a puliting power that gave people confi(Continued m Previous Column)

donee in their density. To have this and the love of God, which surpasses ill goodness, is the aim of the great Church always. We shall emulate as we may the greatness of the Church in the days which are to come. “Mrs Thomas and I ask you to ' accept our profound and sincere appro- ‘ •iation of this welcome,” said Dr. Diomas. ‘‘lt will be an inspiration to ' is from the beginning to the end and ,ve thank you from the bottom of our icarts.” ‘ During the evening the junior choir 1 ;ang a number of items and Miss M. Marsden sang a number of solos. ( _ 1