Reception Social to the Bev. W Woollass.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8620, 26 March 1897, Page 2

Reception Social to the Bey. W Woollass.

The Eev. W. Woollass, who has been appointed to Waihi, was entertained by a large audience at a social in the Primitive Methodist Methodist Church last evening. The gathering was in every way a pronounced success.

After prayer by Mrs A. Stenberg and singing, the Chairman (Eev. F. W. Boys), as Minister of the Church, introduced Mr Woollass, giving a brief outline of the starting of the Waihi missson by the Mackay street •church and the success 1 Mr Hunt had achieved while laboring there. He said he was glad such an enthusiastic Temperance worker had been stationed i there, and that he would find many hearty people to co-operate with him in the work.

The Eev. W. B. Woolley, in a most able speech, alsa congratulated the Waihi mission upon the appointment, and spoke of the enterprise of Primitive Methodists in the out places. He reminded Mr Woollass that a minister's work was like unto Eddystone's Lighthouse—" To give light and to save life."

Mr H. Davis, for the local preachers, and Mr E. H. Taylor, as a Temperance worker, also welcomed Mr Woollass. Eev. W. Woollass, who was received with; loud applause, thanked the congregation for their hearty reception, and referred to their past kindness and their invitation to him to be their min-ister-some years past, which his health prevented his accepting. He had come to Waihi to work, to make friends,

and possibly to make enemies, for he could not understand the faithful minister who did not make enemies. He felt much work lay before him, and referring to his Temperance campaign in Southland, hoped to be able to make things lively for the liquor party. During the evening' several .■gxcek lent anthems were rendered by the

choir, while other items were:—Solo, " Eocked in the cradle of the deep," Miss Davis (well rendered); solo, "Queen of the earth," Mr J. Watson (given in fine style); trio, Miss Walker and Messrs H. Owen and W. Cahill; solo, '' Anchored," Mr J. Lange (much appreciated). The whole congregation then adjourned to the School, where the ladies had provided supper, and amid much introducing and good will a most enjoyable evening was brought to a . close.

Mr Woollass will occupy the Mackay street pulpit three times on Sunday.