POPULAR MINISTER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 293, 9 April 1941, Page 5

POPULAR MINISTER

DISTRICT FAREWELL

REV. C. P. LUCAS HONOURED

Services at the Methodist Church were exceptionally well attended on Sunday when the Rev. C. P. Lucas delivered farewell sermons, in view of his leaving to take up duty at Huntly. At the morning service there were present members of the Bojr Scout Troop and Cub Pack, of which Mr Lucas had been in charge. The evening service drew a large congregation and was followed with a farewell ceremony.

During the evening farewell addresses were made by Messrs W. Teasdale (Trust), F. Darvill (Circuit), Rev. H. Hogg (Ministers' Association), J. Bigelow (Presbyterian Church), Mrs K. Stewart (Ladies Guild), Mr T. J. Heilyar (Sunday School). Mr W. Ward occupied the chair.

All speakers spoke in gloAving terms of the work Mir Lucas had done for the -church during his tA\*o years service at Whakatane and expressed deep regret at his leaving. ITe had always been ready and Avilling to take his part and not only had done so efficiently but had undertaken duties Avhich had made a great demand on his OAvn time. Mr Darvill, on behalf of the Church, presented Mr Lucas Avith a handsome cheque, while on behalf of the Sunday School a similar gift was handed to the guest of the evening by Peter Ward.

BOY SCOUTS GESTURE

FULL MUSTER OF TROOPS

Scencs of enthusiasm attended the official farewell to the Rev. C. P. Lucas, by members of the Scout and Cub troops, which took place in the Parish Hall last Monday evening; Troop Leader Rivett, and patrol leaders Brabant, Bunt and Armstrong conveyed to Mr Lucas their appreciation of his interest as theii Scoutmaster during the past year and wished him 'good scouting' in his new surroundings. Miss Blythc as Cub mistress added lier good wishes, while Mr J. D Rivett spoke on behalf of the parents, thanking Mr Lucas for thf splendid work he had done with tbf boys. On behalf of the Citizens Scout Committee and troop members, the chairman, Mr C. Kings] ey-Smith, asked Mr Lucas to accept an engraved wallet conveying to him i» doing so the well wishes of th« gathering and wishing him good luck in his new appointment at Huntly. Responding, Mr Lucas said he was not at all happy about going, especially when he realised that he left so many fine young friends in Whakatane. He had learnt a loi from Scouting, he said and was only sorry he had not taken up the work years ago. He hoped however to be able to assist in Huntly, and would be glad to welcome any of his old troop at any time they should be passing through that wav. He thanked them all for their kindly gift which he said would always serve to remind him of their good wishes and friendship.

Cheers and musical honours concluded the little ceremony aftei which a light supper was served by members of the committee assisted by other parents who were present.