KILBIRNIE ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 732, 3 February 1910, Page 6

KILBIRNIE ANGLICAN CHURCH.

SOCIAL FUNCTION. There was-a vew enjoyable gathering in' O'Donnell's Hall . at Kilbirnie last night, when .the . parishioners of ■ the 'Anglican Church at Kilbirnie ,met .to welcome the Kev. H. Blackburne' and his wife to..their new.home._ .

: The Rev. ;D. C. Bates,. who presided, both introduced Mr. Blackburne as an old: personal friend of his' own, and then in the name of the: parishioners'accorded him a, welcome. . • . .

llr. Blackburne,: in his reply, • mentioned that the Bishop, in ottering him the church in this district, had spoken of. it- as ono of the largest 'and most ■important suburban churches, in Wellington, .with a great future before, it. • He, trusted that' it' would hot"only, increase in material - prosperity, but in spiritual grace as;' well. , Criticism " was sure ;, to come' his way, . and: he.' would welcome criticism for himself on three conditions: that only those who" , worked .' should criticise, that .they should do it frankly and cordially to. his face, and that they .should pray for him.. Mr. Blackburne said that he" had decided to .have daily; prayers in the Church—he hoped both , morning and evening—and he would be'gin by holding morning prayers. . During 'the evening a musical programme was given, songs being sung by Mrs. Higginson and Miss Easson, Mr. Bass reciting, . and .the' Misses - Gilbert contributing- a pianoforte duet. Mr. C. 'B. Davey played the accompaniments. At the close of the evening vote of : .thanks- was carried to the 'ladies who .had provided the supper: ,