RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5769, 13 January 1897, Page 3

RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

» Last night a social gathering of the congregation of the Rangiora Presbyserian Church took place with the object of bidding good-bye to the Rev P. R. Monro, whose ministry in connection with the church closed yesterday. There was a large attendance, including friends from other denominations, and Mr M. Macfarlane occupied the chair. Apologies for unavoidable absence were read from the Rev D. D. Rodger, Cust, the Rev T. G. Carr (Wesleyan) and the Rev W. Lamb (Baptist). Included in the evening's proceedings were addresses by the Revs F. P. Tendall (Episcopalian), J. Dellow (Wesleyan), J. Gow (Kaiapoi) and R. M'Cully (Sefton), all of whom bora testimony to tho good work done by the Rev P. R. Monro in the town and district ; the very general regret felt at his departure, and the hearty good wishes that would follow him in his new sphere. Between the addresses anthems were sung by the choir, solos by Miss Sim, Miss Martin, the Rev J. Dellow and Mr H. Gillespie ; Mr C. Hunnibell played a violin obbligato to the song given by the firstnamed lady, and the accompaniments were played by Mrs Dellow, Miss J. Sim, Messrs W. Gower and 0. Gillespie. At the conclusion of the programme, • Mr J. Johnston, on behalf of the congregation, presented Mr Monro with a purse of sovereigns. He spoke in high terms of Mr Monro's ministry in the Rangiora Church. The congregation was parting with him on the most friendly termsi and one and all would always be glad to welcome him and Mrs Munro back to Rangiora again. He referred to the lady's many estimable qualities, and concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Monro and their family every happiness in the future. The Rev P. R. Monro said it was exceedingly pleasing to him to get a parting gathering like that accorded him. He particularly thanked his friends for the kind things said about Mrs Monro. Referring to his ministry, he said that his one aim had been to preach the true gospel of Christ, the one thing that could bind the hearts of mon together. He was a prohibitionist. He believed that if he were cut in pieces prohibition would be found stamped on every piece of him. If he did not feel that he had the favour of Christ in this branch of his work, he would cease to carry it on. But he was convinced that he was right in the work, and in the future he would be, if possible, more earnest in it than in the past. He was a believer in evangelistic work, and had suggested the united evangelistic services held in the town. Speaking to the young people, he urged them to hold to their church, whatever denomination it might be. He expressed his conviction that a short ministry was the best for both pastor and people. He trusted that his successor would keep the ohurch together and put an abundance of life into it. He had tried to lift up the standard of Christ, and if he had spoken out strongly at times it was because he felt the need for such. The kind appreciation of his work would send him away more determined than ever to deliver his message in his own way. He sincerely hoped that God's blessing would rest on all the families connected with the church, and that the Christian work would prosper there and in this town, and he took leave with the kindliest feelings towards one and all. Befreshments were then handed round, and the proceedings closed by singing, " God be with you till we meet again," and the benediction, pronounced by the "Rev J. Gow, Moderator of the congregation. ,