RECOGNITION OF SERVICES

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3230, 10 June 1924, Page 4

RECOGNITION OF SERVICES

MR AND MRS T. F. RICHARDS

ENTERTAINED.

HANDSOME PRESENTATION

Mr and Mrs T. F. Richards, of Cambridge, leave in about a fortnight's time for an extended holiday in Australia. Members and friends of Trinity Presbytorian Church thought this a fitting opportunity for them to show thoir appreciation, of the faithful services rendered tho church by Mr Richards, more particularly in his office as superintendent of the Sunday School, a position he has filled with credit for many years. Consequently, Mr and Mrs Riehards were entertained at a social gathering at tho Presbyterian Memorial Hall last night, when there was a good attendance of church members and friends, together with a fair sprinkling of children.

During the evening the Rev. Jas. Hay stated that their guests had arrived in Cambridge twenty-five years ago. Mr Richards had taken up church' work immediately, and a year or two later had become superintendent of the Sunday school, which office he had held, with but a short intermission, over since. Mr Hay spoke of the self-sacri-fice sueh a position entailed. Mr Richards had given of his best ungrudgingly, and had done splendid work in helping to fit the children to fill the positions of their elders as good Christians, usoful church members, and good citizens. On behalf of the church officials, church members, friends and children, Mr Hay then presented Mr Richards with a valuable gold watch, which bore the following inscription:—"Prosonted to Thomas F. Richards, Esq., by Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, for dovotod services as Elder and Sunday School Superintendent.—9/6/24.'' Mr W. T. Perkins, on behalf of tho Session, spoke briefly of Mr Richards' excellent, work as an elder.

On behalf of the managers, Mr A. N. Maeky voiced their appreciation of Mr Riehards' faithful services. Mr Richards was made a manager in 1900, and an elder in 1905. He had also acted as treasurer for thirteen years. Mr A. Towsey spoke of Mr Richards' help as a member of the choir. Mrs Phillips made feeling reference to Mr Richards' work as Sunday School superintendent for a lengthy period. He had been faithful in his duty, and had endeared himself to the children.

In reply, Mr Richards expressed Ids hoartfelt appreciation of the kindly references to his work and that of his wife and family, and thanked all for the most handsome present. The speaker referred to his arrival in Cambridgo twenty-five years ago, when the chureh members had extended the hand of friendship to his wife and himself, and said he had received great encouragement and assistance in his work, which ,had made him very happy. He loved the children, and it had boen a delight to him to sec the little ones grow up, | pass from tho Sunday school to the Bible classes, and on to church membership. Mr Richards exhorted all, young and old, to rally Tound thoir minister, and give of their best in the interests of the church they loved. He again thanked thorn, for their handsome presentation, and their kindly appreciation, and said he and Mrs Richards hoped to return from, their holiday and again carry on the good work once more. Ho had no intention of relinquishing office.

Songs by Miss L. Thomson (2) and Mr Brodie, of Dunedin (2), and an anthem by, the choir helped to make the evening a very pleasant one. Mr A. Towsey presided at. the piano. Supper was also served, and the gathering closed with an interesting competition, which was won by Miss Lynds.