Pleasant Farewell Function To Minister

Chronicle (Levin), 1 April 1948, Page 2

Pleasant Farewell Function To Minister

The Rev. W.. B. Pickering, after ; five years' faithful service as Methodist minister in Otaki, leaves shortly on a brief holiday and will then take up residence at Te Kuiti. A large number of his Methodist frjends and other wellwishers were present at the Parish Hail on Tues'day night to bid him farewell, and to wish him every enjoyment in his new home. The Rev. H. S. Kings, of Levin, was -a capable chairman, and kept all in happy mood with his ready humour. - Mr. Kings was introduced by tlie eircuit steward, Mr. Walter Taylor. A hynrn and prayer followed, after which Mr. Kings welcomed all present, ad'ding that it was with pleasure that they had Mr. Pickering with them. Mr. Kings paid tribute to his work, ^stating that they had been friends 'for many years, and no one could speak more highly of his courtesy and kin'dness. He mentioned the co-operation he had received at "til times from -Mr. Pickering, and spoke of the vaiue of their fijiendship and the interest he had taken in all races — Europeans, Maoris and the Chinese. The Rev. Paora Temuera also bore testimony to the fine work of Mr. Pickering, adding tlfat it was a privilege to know him and to work with him. He spoke of the work between the Rangiatea and the Methodist Church, and stated that every consideration had been given him by Mr. Pickering, who had faithfully carried out his duties. In conclusion, Mr. Temuera wished Mr. Pickering every enjoyment in his new home. Mr. Fred Thorpe, speaking on; behalf of the Presbyterian Church/ apologised for the unavoi'dable j absence of the Minister (Mr. ] Nicholas). Mr. Thorpe paid high1 tribute to'the work of Mr. Picker- i ing, and added that he regretted I that he was leaving Otaki. The 1 churches, he stated, had worked to- ; gether in a wonderful manner, and i in this Mr. Pickering had done his j share. On behalf of. his church j people, he wished Mr'. Pickering | every specess and happiness in the future. Canon H. E. ' K. Fry also spoke ! very highly of Mr. Pickering's work, stating that he would be greatly missed. He knew that Mr. Pickering was one who had carried out his duties in a thorough manner and, on behalf of his church and congregation, he wished him every happiness. The Rev. S. Keen, who had been associated with Mr. Pickering fca church work for some considerable time, spoke on behalf of the Methodist congregation. He said that Mr. Pickering would be greatly missed from Otaki. He knew him to be a man who had faithfully ' and conscientiously carrie'd out his many duties, and knew of the assistance he had been to many. He had provcd a genuine worker and when he left Otaki he would carry the csteem and gcod wishes of his many friends. Mr. Pickering ha'd worked ungrudgingly, and had done much for all denominations, including Chinese and Maoris. He had always possessed a happy and cheerful disposition, and had a good word to say for all — man, woman or child. Mr. Kings bore testimony to the splcndid work done by Mr. Pickering and referred to his homely and Lospitabie ways. On the West Coast of thc South Island he knew of Mr. Pickering's fine work, which was later continued in Christchurch. In both places he made many friends. j Mr. Walter Taylor, circuit steward, after extending thanks to all who had attended to make the evening so successful, referred to Mr Pickering's fine church work while as a friend they had always found him one of the best. He was certainly an ideal minister. During his five years' service in Otaki Mr. Pickering had done good work, and on behalf of his church people he wished him every success in his new home. Amidst applause a presentation was made to Mr Pickering. This was in the form of a substantial cheque. Mr. j. E James paid a tribute to the splendi'd work of Mr. Pickering m connection with the Otaki State School, and wished him every sucCGSS, Mi. Pickering; who was warmly applauded on rising to replv thanked all for their attendance! and the kmdness extended to him; He thanked all for the assistance they had given him in his work, and stated that his stay in Otaki had been a pleasant 'one. He thanked- all speakers for their kindly words, and added that he hope'd to be present in Otaki on any ^pecial occasion in connection with the church. Mr. Pickering spoke highly of the fine service of his finup ,fewaLd> who" had worked faithfully with him for the past hlrmnars'" sPoke highly of the which had existed oetween the vanous churches, and paid a tribute to all workers especially mentioning - Mr. Gwynn (orgamst) and the ladies' guild lribute was also paid to the heln given him by Mr. Keen: Mr.. Pickering thanked all for their gift and assured friends that they would-nnfc 3e forgotten. He hoped to renew acquaintances by visiting Otaki. It was stated that the induction ' ceremony of the newly-appointed minister, Rev. Mr. Grice, of Carter-

ton, would take place on April 15, and that Mr. Pickering would be preaching his farewell services in Otaki, Te Horo and Manakau next Suh'day. During the evening musical items of a pleasing nature wai rendered by the choir, Miss Averv Messrs.' James, Townrow and Lumley, Mrs. Barthol'omew presiding at the organ. Supper of an appetising nature was di'spensed, the evening concluding with the Benediction, pronounced by Mr. Pickering. j / ■ '