VALEDICTORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10443, 24 April 1912, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

SOCIAL TO TIT ft REV N. S BARNETT.

The Rev N. S. Barnett, who is relinquishing charge of the St Albans Mission district-, on the formation of the district into a separate parish, was entertained at a farewell social at tiie St Albans Young Men's Guild Hall last evening. There was a goodjj attendance and Mr G. Jameson occupied the chair. The chairman referred to the good work done by Mr Barnett in the district, work which was all the more meritorious because it was carried out in the face of great difficulties. Mr Jiarnett had'been assiduous in his visitation of both the pick and the healthy, and his departure would he felt as a. personal loss by every church member in the district. 011 behalf of the choir Mr Pilgrim presented Mr and Mrs Barnett with a handsomely framed photograph of the members of the choir, referring in eulogistic terms to the interest taken by Mr and Mrs Barnett in the work of the choir.

Mr Barnett briefly returned thanks on behalf of himself and Mrs Barnett. Mr H. E. Morgan, 011 behalf of tho church members of the district, presented Mr Barnett with a purse of sovereigns as a tribute of respect and affection. In doing so lie reierred to the quiet and unaffected way in which Mr Barnett had carried out his work in the parish, and the strong personal influence which he had at- all times exercised, for good. Ho expressed tho conviction that Mr Barnett's energy and high abilities would win him continued success in his sacred calling. He wished Mr Barnett alb tho good fortune that one man could wish another.

Mr It. Newell endorsed what had been said by the previous speaker, and added his good wishes for Mr Harnett's future welfare. "For They are Jolly Good Fellows" was then sung heartily by those present, and three cheers were given. Mr Barnett, in returning thanks, said that when he came to St Albans he did not foresee what was to take place. There had been many difficulties in the way of his work, but the people ho worked amongst were a remarkably true lot.- He was gratified that his poor efforts had met with success in the district. He and Mrs Bnrnett came to St Albans to work in God's vineyard, and he had also carried out his plans for study, and had passed certain examinations. He thanked the church members for mucl> hearty co-operation and sympathy, an',for many kindnesses. The unity amongst the people had been, the main source of their strength as a church district. He would always cherish kindly memories of St Albans. He desired to thank the Sunday school teachers and scholars for the way in which they had helped his work. He knew there had been trouble lately in connection with his departure. He was not convinced that the machinery of the Church of England was out of date, but he was. convinced that it was not well enough known, and therefore not used as it should be. He deprecated suggestions by church members that because something had happened in the church, of which they did not approve, they should desert the church. If the machinery of the church was better understood, sueh troubles as that of* recent date would be more speedily adjusted. Until the people of the church realised that the church was not merely the parson's concern, but their concern, neither the machinery of the Church of England or of any other church, would enable it to accomplish its Divine message. He was thankful to the " Lvttelton Times" for re-asserting the sovereign rights of the people, which must prevail, even against an Archbishop of Canterbury. He cast no slur upon his Bishop, and desired to refer to what had happened neither in one way or another. They must keep in mind the sovereign right of God, and the sovereign right of every human being. (Applause).

Miss M. Faulkner, on behalf of the upper 'classes of the Sunday school, also made a presentation to Mr Barnett.

A programme of musical items was contributed by the choir ' and a number of other church members.