PRESBYTERIAN MEETING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1621, 28 July 1887, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN MEETING.

The gathering at the Presbyterian Churoh. last evening was attended by a goodly number of the congregation, who did justice to tho tea and refreshments handed round, and after this a short sarvlce of praiso (with the usual lesson by tho pastor) waa held, after which the Rev Mr Beattie explained tbe reason of the special oharaoter of the meeting, it being for the purpose of saying farewell i o Messrs Hogg , and Webster, who were removing *to other spheres of labor. In the case of Mr Hogg, he was able to say all that was good, and muoh satisfactionwas foltln tbe fact of his 'remaining m the district though not m Ashburton. Regarding Mr Webster tfiough only here a very Bhort time, he had been long enough to identify himself with the congregation m many ways, and his removal to the North Island would be regretted by all of them, though they must also , feel pleasure m his advancement.

Mr Beattie then presented Mr Hogg with a valuable gold watoh aa a memento from the Presbyterian congregation of hia six years connection with them.

Messrs A. Orr, D Williamson, T. Scaly, J. 0. Grubb, G. Church, and J. McLean all offered testimony to the tin-' varying self-sacrifice whioh had marked Mr Hogg's character m ABhbnrton, both as regarded educational and ohnroh work, and the thorough way m whioh he had taken these matters m hand, and they trusted he would prosper m the future and Boon fiad promotion and success. Mr Webster's departare was referred to by the same speakers ln feeling terms, and hopes expressed .of his being soon m a higher, position with the institution whioh now had his services.

Mr Hogg returned thank* In a rery feeling manner for the valuable gift ho had reoelved that evening whioh he would always treasure as a memento of the tfTQO friendship existing between himself and the congregation.

Mr Webster also spoke, thanking thr congregation for the kindly manner m whioh his efforts during the short time he had been hsre had been spoken of. Anything ho had done for them had been from a sense of duty, and his experience of 10 years clearly showed him that the beat course for any young man possible was, to identify himself with churoh work and he wonld find himself better able to oope with the cacea of business and troubles of life.. For Mrs Webßter and himself he oould say they would look baok with pleasure on their residenoe m Ashborton, and with regret that they were so soon to part from the friends they had made here. Another hymn, " Sweet By and By," was then aung, and the benediotion by the Ray Mr Beattie closed the meeting.