COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19171, 30 November 1927, Page 11

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

* REV. W. BOWER BLACK AND MRS - BLACK. Sunday marked the third anniversary of the Rev. W. Bower Black's.induction to tho ministry of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. During.this month, too, Mr Black completed ten years of ministerial life. In honour of the occasion the members of the church tendered to him and to Mrs Black a complimentary social on Monday evening, which was probably oue of the most successful ever held at St. Paul's. Mr J. G. Herdman, chairman of the Board of Management, presided over a largo gathering in the Sunday school hall, which had been tastefully decorated by the ladies of the congregation. During a congratulatory speech tho chairman handed Mr Hlack an autographed letter expressing to him the warmest sentiments of tho congregation. Owing to illness the Re>v. N. L. D. AVebster, who was Moderator at the time of Mr Black's induction, regretted that he was unable to be present. Mrs Georgo Burn presented Mrs Black with a handsomo bouquet of flowers from the ladies, while Mrs Rountree (Ladies' Association), Mrs Jennings (P.W.M.U.), Mrs Mackay (Girls' Bible Classes), Mr W. Roxburgh (Board of Management), Mr T. Reese (Boys' Bible Classes), Mr D. C. Burns (session clerk), and Mr R. H. Wilson (church treasurer) expressed to both Mr and Mrs Black thanks and appreciation for their work at St. Paul's and assured thorn of the whole-hearted support of the congregation for the future. On rising to reply Mr Black was warmly greeted. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the thought that prompted the social, and for the support and kindness he had received during his three years' ministry in Christchurch. His work had been made much easier by the fine spirit of co-operation displayed by all departments of the church organisation. He also thanked the congregation for including Mrs Black, who had materially assisted him in his ministerial duties. The enjoyment of the evening was greatly enhanced by musical items by Misses Alice Gihlb'and Irving, anil Messrs N. R. Williams (church organist) and Ritchie, and also by the daintily served supper prepared by the ladies.