WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1888, 16 April 1892, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The departure of the Rev. MV Rothwell, of the Wesleyan Church, Lawrence, and the arrival of his successor, the Rev. Mr Thomas, were made the occasion of a soiree in the Volunteer Hall, on Thursday evening, of a dual character, being both valedictory and introductory. There was a large attendance, many beiug present from Blue Spur and other parts of the district. Light refreshments were handed round shortly after seven o'clock, the following ladies assisting :— Misses May, Pearson, Wedlake, Sammers, Kirkwood, Leech, Gibson, Adams, and Mrs Vivian. After refreshments had been part > ken of the chair was taken by Mr F. Vivian, circuit steward, who referred, in the course of an appropriate address, to the departure of the Rev. Mr Kothwell, who had been stationed in Lawrence for upwards of two years. During that period he had proved himself to be an earnest and faithful worker in promoting the -spread of religion and attending to the spiritual welfare of his people, and in God'a hands his labours had been abundantly blessed and he was confident they would bear good fruit. Their church had prospered in many ways during Mr Kothwell's ministrations, and he felt sure that the experience he had gained in Lawrence as a zealous and conscientious worker in God's cause would be of great service to him wherever his lot might be cast in the future.

The Rev. Mr Rothwell said he regretted very much that he had to leave the district where he had made so many true and steadfast friends. He had; of coarse, during the period of his ministration in Lawrence the usual troubles and trials incidental to every position in life to undergo— trials, indeed, associated with the life of every minister ; but he was pleased to say that he was able with God's grace to pass through them triumphantly. A cheerful word and a kindly smile always gave heart of grace to God's servant, and he would, therefore, ask that his successor, the Rev. Mr Thomas, should be the recipient of the same kindly consideration and sympathy that had been extended to himself. He had known Mr Thomas at Temuka, where he succeeded him (the speaker) and his experience and knowledge of him were in every respect highly creditable to that gentleman's character as a man and a clergyman. He was an earnest minister, thoroughly imbued with the sublime nature of his calling, and both in theory and practice everything that a teacher of the word of God should be. In saying farewell, he would ask that they remain true and faithful and loyal to God, to their minister, and to each other, and then God's blessing would rest upon them. The Rev. Mr Thomas, who was well received,said he would strive to labour diligently and ia'thfully in the service of God. He knew from the cordial welcome which he had received that among hu cougregatiou were many true-hearted servants of God. He asked for their prayers, realising that a minister who had a prayerful congregation would receive such assistance and sympathy as would enable him to perform enduring work in his Master's vineyard. Every servant of God had his daily load of troubles and trials, but with God's help these were easily borne. It was necessary in the interests of their spiritual welfare that they should be prayerful and watchful, and, if they were, depend upon it, the blessing of the Almighty would rest upon them, During the course of his address, the rev. gentleman introduced a number of racy anecdotes, which were well received aud put the audience in the best of humour. The Rev. Mr Roth well regretted the absence of the Rev. Mr Skinner, who had promised to attend and assist in tbe proceedings. He had assisted the Rev. Mr Skinner on two or three occasions, and was on the best of terms with him, and he was certain he would have been present that night were it not for some unforseen difficulty arising at the last moment.

At intervals in the proceedings a strong choir rendered several selections in excellent style, greatly contributing to the enjoyment of the evening. Solos were also contributed by iViiss Thomas and Miss Leech. Miss Adams presided at the organ.