REV. A. T. THOMPSON

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16268, 19 July 1918, Page 8

REV. A. T. THOMPSON

FAREWELL GATHERING

In spite of boisterous weather conditions, St. Andrew's schoolroom was well filled last evening on the occasion of the farewell gathering to the Rev. A. T. Thompson, who has been minister of St. Andrew's Presbytorian Church for the past throe years, and who has taken up the duties of travelling secretary of trio Britisn and i'oreigu Uiblo Society. Tne itev. F. itule presided, and on tuo platform with him were a number of otiier ministers. Amongst apuiogics received was one from ms Lordsxiip bishop Julius, who wrote:—"May I be permitted to exyress sympathy witn your-people, and to say now greatly I rtav© valued your work and influence in this city. May the blessing of the God of our fathers go with, you." The chairman, in opening the proceedings, referred in highly eulogistic terms to Mr Thompson and his ministry, and remarked that they said ''Good-bye" to him with reluctance, and altnough they broathed "Adieu," they coum not think that it would be farewell. Mr Thompson, he added, roquired greater scope than that provided by St. Andrew's. Mr G. M. Pottinger (on behalf of the Deacons Court, the Bible classes,, and the choir), Mr s Hay (on behalf of the women's organisations connected with the Church), and Mr T. Hitt superintendent of the Sunday School) also paid tributes to Mr Thompson. The Rev. Dr. Erwin, speaking on be- • j SlS^e , r an d daughter churches, said that when Mr Thompson took up the ministry of St. Andrew's h© (tho speaker) hoped that the congregation was settled, but he bolieved that Mr lhompson folt that h© was called if God t° this other work. Almost from the first the members of tho Presbytery j Thompson voir kindly and brotherly, and very ready to give any help that was asked for, and he had shouldered his full share of the general work of the Church. Thoy regretted veixmuch that he was leaving th© city Referring to St. Andrew's College. Dr. Erwra said that tho war had seemed to render the scheme impossible and the initiation 0 f the college was due to th e suggestion of Mr Thompson and his unselfishness, and th© generosity of the congregation. Mr lhompson had won a warm place in the hearts of the pupils of the college. The Rov. J3. Allen Job, secretary of the Minister?* Association, spoke of the high esteem in which Mr Thompson was hold by his fellow ministers. Othor speakers were th© Rev. G Lindsay Mr Jas. Young, jun. (who. on ?? mi. o Band of Hope, presented Mr Thompson with a framed photo£raJ}h of Past and present members), and Mr C. Ogilvie (church treasurer who, on behalf of the congregation, presented Mr Thompson with a purse of sovereigns and a silver coffee service). Air Thompson, on rising to reply, was received with applause. Ho said that so many very nice things had been said about him that he was coming to believe that he was quite other than he actually was. He stood, before'them humUiated by all the kind things said of him; nevertheless, ho appreciated them deeply. But for the help, sympathy, and support he had received from his people, none of the things that haro been referred to could have been done. He regarded his three years' i ministry' at St. Andrew's as the greatest years so far in his life. He had taken upon himself a great responsibility in following such a man as tho Rev. John Mackenzie. The work, though it had been had boen full of real joy and interest, though, perhaps, not always full of satisfaction. Regarding his work outside the Church, Mr Thompson said he had endeavoured to upnoid the worthy reputation of St. Andrew's as the mother church of Presbyterianism in , CanteiWy. had received many letters from members of the congregation in connexion with sermons h e Aad preached or assistance he had been abl© to give, and tnese he looked upon as real treasures. Referring to his new woik, Mr Thompson said that some of his friends had questioned tn© wisdom of taking it up but. as his congregation knew, he had placed the matter before them, and they had not seen fit to stand in his way, and. possibly ,he could throw some of the responsibility for his action. He expressed his deep thankfulness for all tho kindness extended by St. Andrew's congregation towards him and Mrs Thompson. _ Afterwards refreshments were partaken of, and several vocal and instrumental items given.