ESTEEMED MINISTER.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18479, 5 September 1925, Page 15

ESTEEMED MINISTER.

FAREWELL TO REV. J. B. BICKERSTAFF. There was a largo and representative gathering of members and friends of tho Papanui Presbyterian congregation on Thursday evening to hid farewell to the Rev. J. B. and Mrs Bickcrstaff. who aro leaving the district. Rev. T. W. Armour, interim Moderator of the parish, presided, and the Christchurch I'resoyterj was represented by llev. B. Kilroy (Moderator,), Rev. Dr. Erwin, and ltev. T. Paterson. Rev. H. W. Orbell, of St. Paul s Church, Papanui, was also present. An apology for absenco was received from Rev. H. Ryan. ' Rev. T. W. Armour, in lus introductory remarks, expressed his willingness to assist the congregation in every wnv possible during the vacancy caused by Mr Bicker staff's resignation. Rev. B. Kilroy spoke in very appreciative terms of the good work the retiring minister had done in connexion with the Christchurch Presbytery. Ho had taken an active part in the work of several of the Presbytery committees, and his opinions had always carried wei|ht with his co-presbyters. Rev. Dr. Erwin referred to his eailj connexion with Papanui, then a small and scattered charge. Ho traced the steady progresa made during Mr Bickerstatf's ministry. Although Papanui, with its scattered outstations, was fl. difficult parish to work, Mr Bickerstaff had, .by his untiring zeal, tact, and wisdom, achieved a very large measure of success.. The transfer of Mr Bickerstaff from Christchurch was a great loss to him personally, as it entailed the severance of a highly-valued friendsnip. Rev. H. W. Orbell. on behalf of the Anglican Church, wished Mr Bickerstaff every suoce6S in his new charge, and spoke of the friendly relationships that had always existed between the Presbyterian and Anglican ministers in Papanui. On behalf of the congregation, Mr D. M. Shirlaw presented Mr and Mrs Bickerstaff with a wallet of notes, and in doing so referred to the great pro'gress made by tho congregation during theirf stay in Papanui, and extended to them the best wißhes of the members for success in their new sphere of labour. Rev. J. B. Bickerstaff, in his reply, expressed his gratitude to the speakers for their kindly and appreciative references to his work in Papanui. He urged the congregation to remain united during tlio vacancy, and when his successor was appointed, to give him their loyal and whole-hearted support. ' Mrs Kruse, nn behalf of tho Ladies' Guild, then' presented Mrs'Bickerstaff with a fitted attache case. During the evening enjoyable .musical items were contributed by Common, Miss A and Messrs ,T. C. McLean and Mills.