SUMNER METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18366, 27 April 1925, Page 15

SUMNER METHODIST CHURCH.

WELCOME TO MINISTER. A very large gathering assembled in St. Paul's Methodist Church, Sumner, ti> welcome to the circuit the.-Rev. R. G. Peterson, who is taking charge of tlie work in. Woolston and Sumner. Tlie Rev. W. I. Williams presided and referred to the chango that liad been brought about by his own retirement and bv the coming of tho Rev. tt. G. Peterson. He referred to the enthusiasm of the church members, and asked them to extend _to his successor the same treatment given to himself. To Mr Peterson he extended warmest personal greetings and his best wishes for his Happiness and the spiritual welfare of the circuit. Tlie Mayor of Sumner (Mr W. H. Nicholson; extended to the representative of the Methodist Church the greetings of the people of.Sumner, lie congratulated the congregation on securing the services of a man of Mr Peterson's ability and sincerity, awl wished both church and pastor success iir.l Christian progress. Speeches of welcome were also given by the Rev. W. McAra (Presbyterian Church), the Rev. E; C. W. Powell (All Saints' Church), Mrs W. I. Williams (Ladies' Guild), Mr H. W. Heslop (trustees), Mr H. Buttle (congregar tion). and Mr Voller (Sunday School). l'ho Rev W. H. Speer, superintendent of the district, and the Rev. It. G. Peterson both replied, the latter expressing his warm appreciation of the cordial welcome extended to him, and stating that ho felt sure of the cooperation of all. Special musical items wero contributed by Mrs F. N. Kerr, Mr McDonald, Mrs Duff and Mr James.