WELCOME SOCIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13751, 26 April 1918, Page 4

WELCOME SOCIAL

TO REV. E. 0. AND MRS BLAMIRES. | There was a large attendance at the London Street Methodist Church, Hamilton, last night, presided over by Mr Gilling, circuit steward, to welcome Rev. E. 0. and Mrs Blamires on their entry into the work of the district. The proceedings were opened with the National Anthem, followed by a prayer by Rev. J. Clover. The chairman, in extending a hearty welcome to their guest, said it gave him a double pleasure to do so, as the best years of his life had been spent in the circuit recently vacated by Mr Blamires, and he had heard recently many splendid testimonials to the work <■( the new minister and his wife.

Rev. J. T. Burrows, as president of the Ministers' Association, extended a most hearty and sincere welcome to the town. He prayed that the work of their guests would lie honoured of God and that the loyalty of the people would ever delight their hearts.

Pastor Waterhouse, representing the Church of Christ, said they were glad to have Mr and Mrs Blamires with them, and he was sure that God would bless the work they were just entering upon. On behalf of St. Andrew's congregation, Rev. R. Mackie thanked the memliers of the London Street Church for their invitation, which allowed him to offer his congratulations on the occasion of the appointment of Mr Blamires who, he was sure ,would prove a tried and true ally in the work of God. Adjutant Hultquist also welcomed Mr and Mrs Blamires on behalf of the Salvation Armv.

Mr W. F. Mason, representing the laymen of the church, referred to Mr Blamires as a man of cheery optimism and contagious enthusiasm. He predicted great success fur both him and his wife in their labours, and expressed the hope that the stay in the district would lie a lengthy one. Mr Silvester (Frankton) assured the guests of the sympathy of the Frankton memliers in their work, and they could always bo sure of a warm welcome.

llev. D. J. McArthur warmly welcomed Mr and Mrs Blamires, and assured them of the loyal co-operation of the people. Mrs Blamires, in her reply, expressed her gratitude at the warmtlwrf the welcome. She had come among them as a friend, and hoped to establish close friendship in the days to come. She especially referred to the present days of sorrow, and asked them all. especially the younger members, to look upon her as a sister. Mr Blamires said he believed he had com; to Hamilton by the guidance of God's Spirit, and he assured them that he would give them of his best. He referred to the warmth of the welcome as shown by the various speakers, and said he hoped that the cordiality would continue, although there might be differences of opinion. During the evening the choir rendered two selections, Miss Hodgkinson violin solos. Miss Conradi a vocal item and Mr Webster two fine orcan solos.

After supnor the proceedings closed with the Soldiers' Hymn and the Benediction.