CHRIST CHURCH SAYS AU REVOIR TO ARCHDEACON YOUNG

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 August 1946, Page 4

CHRIST CHURCH SAYS AU REVOIR TO ARCHDEACON YOUNG

Warm tributes to the high esteem in which the Venerable J. R. Young, M.A. Vicar of Christ Church and Archdeacon of Waitotara for the past 15 years, is held by parishioners and citizens of Wanganui were paid last night when he was farewelled at a gathering which fully taxed the capacity of the Savage Club Hall. Archdeacon Young leaves to-day for Pahiatua, and on behalf of the vestry and parishioners he was presented with an envelope and a vestment case.

Mr. S. Swan, People’s Warden, presided, and speakers included the. Mayor of Wanganui, the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., Mr. A. Jones, representing Wanganui East parishioners,; the Rev. A. C. Cole, for the clergy at Christ Church, Mr. C. P. Brown (Synodsman), Mrs. J. Lambert, representing the various women’s organisations, Mr. G. A. Ammundsen (men’s organisations), the Rev. V. C. Vennimore (outside parishes), the Rev. A. C. McLean (Wanganui Ministers’ Association) and Mr. S. Swan, on behalf of parishioners. MAYOR’S REGRET.

“Like myself, you must feel a tinge of regret that Archdeacon Young is leaving Wanganui,” said the Mayor. “He is moving on at his own request and all are sincerely sorry. He has spent 15 strenuous and eventful years in this city and has shown a fine spirit of Christian fortitude throughout his own trials.’’

Archdeacon Young had played a full part in the life of the city and had taken his share in all matters pertaining to the welfare of citizens, the Mayor added. Because of the present-day difficulties clergymen had to possess a sense of idealism and heroism, but Archdeacon Young had all those qualities needed for his work. “He has played his part most worthily and well and has been an Inspiration and a help in the development of the city and the lives of the people generally.” said the Mayor.

Mr. Jones thanked Archdeacon Young for all he had done for All Saints’. Wanganui East, and said all regretted that he had found it necessary to move on.

“To-night is a sad occasion because we are saying au revoir to our vicar,” said the Rev. A. C. Cole, who added that the clergy of Christ Church would always remember with gratitude their association with Archdeacon Young. ‘He has been a wonderful friend to us,” said Mr. Cole.

WANGANUI’S LOSS. Wanganui’s loss would be Pahiatua's gain, said Mr. C. P. Brown, who paid a tribute to Archdeacon Young’s work in Synod. Archdeacon Young had always been called a man’s man, but she had read that a man’s man was generally a women’s man as well, said Mrs. Lambert. Very many women, she added, had been grateful to him for help and comfort in time of trouble. “We are losing our vicar, but we are not losing our archdeacon,” said Mrs. Lambert. “We shall be thinking out all sorts of excuses for getting him over in his capacity as archdeacon.”

Mr. Ammundsen described Archdeacon Young as a splendid witness to the faith he had preached in Wanganui during the past 15 years. The Rev. V. C. Vennimore (St. Peter’s, Gonville) said that not all Anglicans in Wanganui could refer to Archdeacon Young as their vicar, but all parishioners of every parish could speak of him as a friend. “We appreciate the generosity and the help which has always been shown by him,” Mr. Vennimore added.

The Rev. A. C. McLean also spoke on behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations. He referred in particular to Archdeacon Young's cooperation with other denominations in Wanganui. Not only was he a good vicar and a good archdeacon, he was also a good Christian. Making the presentation, Mr. Swan said that, with these gifts went, the grateful thanks of all for what Archdeacon Young had done in the parish. ARCHDEACON’S REPLY. “This is not an easy occasion for me because I hate publicity and I hate saying good-bye, but to-night am getting a double dose,” said Archdeacon Young, returning thanks. A good deal had happened during the past 15 years, but he could take little credit for that. What gladdened his heart, however, was that, these things had been accomplished during his period in Wanganui.

“I feel that in some curious way I have been a puzzle to a good many people here. Some have said that the Archdeacon always looks solemn. Others have said that he is always making a joke of everything, and somebody else has saiH: T do like the Archdeacon, he always looks the same.’ Please have it your own way, but. you can’t have it both ways,” Archdeacon Young said, amid laughter. “Then again, some people have said that I’m 100 tolerant, but others have said that I set. too high a standard. One man came along and said I was too autocratic about things, but the next man said I did not give a lead. I told this man to go and sec the first man and settle it between themselves, but I never heard the outcome.”

It has been said that the parish had some of the best organisations in the city, and although he felt that he could not take the credit, he was glad that they had come about while hr was there,” said Archdeacon Young “The reason why things have fallen out as they have is because I have had such a splendid team around me.’’ he added. “I have had a great succession of church wardens and I’m extremely grateful to them. I have also had some excellent treasurers. When I came hero there was a debt of £4900 on the parish, hut now it is clear." Work in the parish had been heavj and the opportunities were so im-

mense that it was beyond doing satisfactorily. While his health was stil' good and he had never missed one Sundav duty through ill -health, hohad felt that the time had come for a change. Tie d'd not believe in a man carrying on till he was broken Archdeacon Young added. He also extended his thanks lor the help giver him and asked parishioners to extend a warm welcome and the fullest cooperation to his successor.

P.W.M.U. are to m<*et in Trinits Church, kindly lent for the occasion by the Methodist Church.