Presentation to the Rev. R. Young.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1682, 30 March 1885, Page 2

Presentation to the Rev. R. Young.

Before leaving for Opunaka, the Rev Mr Young, who has presided over the Greytown Wesleyan Circuit for some time, was the recipient of a most flattering testimonial and purse of sovereigns. Coming as it did from Greytown residents, the majority of whom were not members of the church, it was all the more valuable, and showed the esteem iu which the rev gentleman is held by all classes of the community. Speaking for ourselves we have known Mr Young intimately during his stay in Grey town, and can bear our testimony to his sterling worth, Ids faithful and gratuitous services, aud untiring exertions in promoting the well-being of those with whom he came iu contact, no matter who they were. Mr Young is one of a few, and as he goes forth to a fresh field of labor, we heartily wish him “ God Speed.” The presentation on Saturday last was made iu the Wesleyan Church, Grey town, and though there were not many present, being the middle of the day, the company represented all shades of opinion and religious belief. Mr R. C. Black stepped forward, and greeting the Kcv Mr Young, said they had met in an informal way to maae a presenta tion to him, and without saying anything on his own behalf would simply read the address, which ran as follows :

“ Greytown North, “ 28th March, 1885. “ To the Rev. Robert Young. “As you aro about to take your departure from this district, we, the undersigned, feel that we cannot permit you to do so without showing in a small measure our high appreciation of the many good qualities you possess and the beneficial influences you have freely exercised at all times on our behalf. We would therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse of gold. We feel that in parting with you we are indeed parting with a true Christian aud friend, and we earnestly trust that you will long be spared to continue your good work iu whatever sphere of action you may be placed. Heartily wishing yourself aud Mrs Young and family good health, peace and prosperity, we beg to subscribe ourselves yours faithfully.” [He follow close upon 100 names.] The purse contained nearly forty sovereigns aud bore the inscription, “Presented to the Rev R. Young, on the occasion of bis leaving Greytown, by his many friends.” Tire Rev Mr Young in reply said the presentation was an unexpected one, and he failed to see that he deserved such a mark of appreciation for his services. He was like one who had been called at the eleventh hour to go into the vineyard, but ho had endeavoured to earn his penny, the reward held out to those who were faithful in the work they were engaged in. He had his own ideas on soma matters. Ho thought that all workers for truth should go beyond the walls of the church and so imitate the brilliant example of Christ whose greatest work was accomplished outside of the synagogue. He was the groat model, and taking him as an example he (the speaker) had striven to get to every part of the township aud Wairarapa. Ho had felt a pleasure iu trying to counsel and comfort, and believed it was quite as necessary for a minister to talk about stock as about family matters and spiritual things. Ho hoped the fruits would remain. He again expressed his thankfulness for the way they had marked his services, and he would ever remember his sojourn in Greytown, where he had found friends of sterling worth. It would be a great pleasure to show hospitality should any of his friends visit him iu his new sphere of labor. Their gift might lead to the purchase of a cow, and visitors would get a return in milk aud perhaps butter ; and if he got on friendly terms with the Maoris at Opunake he might get a pig and entertain them properly. During the last week he had been gathering sunbeams from different parts of the district and he hoped that the expressions of friendship ho had received would promote all his energies to carry on the work ho was engaged in. Those present shook hands with Mr Young, bidding bim farewell, and the ceremony terminated.