St. James' Church.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8609, 13 March 1897, Page 2

St. James' Church.

PEESENTATION TO THE EEV. J.

MACKENZIE,

The social, determined on by members of St. James' Church, as a means of a collective welcoming to the Rev. J. Mackenzie, M.A., who has spent the last five weeks in the South, took place last evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, and despite the rain was well attended, several of those present having couae long distances to do homage to their popular pastor. The chair was occupied by Mr Geisow, an elder of the Church «nd superintendent of the Sunday School, who announced that the evening's programme would be commenced with a pianoforte duet to be rendered by the Misses Rickit. This proved to be a good opening, and the items thereafter were just as much appreciated. They were as follows: —Song, Mr W. Carter, '• Steering Home " ; vocal trio, Misses Wilson, Darrew and Fagsw, " Mermaids' evensong " ; banjo solo, Mr J. Lawrence, " The piccaninni's birthday" (encored); song, Miss Fagan, " Whisper and I shall hear "; song, Mr J. Watson, •' Nazareth."

At this stage the chairman called on Mr Frater to express the pleasure the congregation felt at the return of Mr and Mrs Mackenzie after their holiday, and that gentleman, after a few appropriate words, said a duty he had to perform was to call on Mrs Symington to present Mr Mackenzie with a new gown, which had been obtained through the instrumentality of that lady. A very handsome gown was then displayed and put on the rev. gentleman's shoulders.

The Rev. Mr Mackenzie tendered his sincere thanks to the congregatiou for their beautiful and memorable gift. While on his trip to the south he had heard on all sides expressions of surprise at the great generosity of the Thames people, and he found it would have been an easy matter to have exchanged pulpits with another Minister, but he had made ties here which he would be sorry to break. The rev. gentleman concluded his speech amidst applause- Other musical items on the programme were then rendered as follows :—lnstrumental trio, Miss Watson and Misses Fleming; song, Miss Davies, '*The last milestone " (much appreciated); song, Mr Bates, " The Gift" ; song, Mr Johnstone, " The Scotch Brigade," encore, " Bonnie Dundee " ; duet (clarionet and violiu), Messrs H. Lange and W. Cahill, " Caller Herrin," encore "Come where my love lies dreaming." During the evening refreshments were handed round, and an enjoyable gathering was brought to a close by votes of thanks to those who had assisted with music, with the singing of '* God save the Queen," and the Benediction being pronounced.