Presbyterian Church

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 239, 9 April 1895, Page 2

Presbyterian Church

The annual tea meeting in connection with the local Presbyterian body was held in their church last evening and proved to be even more successful than its predecessors, about two hundred and fifty adults and children sitting down to the prettily decorated tables, which were loaded with sump, tuous viands prepared by the ladies of the congregation. Five long tables were arranged accross the church ani the edibles werej>rovided by two ladies for each table, namely, Mesdames F. Y. Lethbridge and Sorley, Mesdames Hugh Burrell and J. H. 0. Colby, Mrs W. Smith and Miss Coombe, Mesdames J. H. Stevens and A. R. Allan, Mrs J. Whisker and Miss Mansoo. These ladies were assisted by a host of young ladieu, who were very attentive and rendered valuable assistance. It is needless to say full justice was dono to the good things provided and many were the encomiums passed on the general arrangements. After the tea things had been removed and seats re-arranged a largely attended public meeting was held, the Rev. H. If. Murray presiding. During the evening short addresses were given by the Revs. Thompson (Palmereton). Doull (Bulls), Gordon (Marton), Presbyterian ministers ; the Rev. J. Cocker (Primitive Methodist minister, Feilding), and the Rev. Dawson (Wesleyan minister, Feilding). The addresses were suitable to the occasion, advising the church people to continue in the good work they were engaged in and also exhorting them to put forth greater efforts in their work. The addresses were intersperse 1 with musical selections by a strong choir .under Mr G. Bartho.'omew, the pieces given being " I will life up Mine Eyes," " What are these," " Arise Shine." Miss Diamond sang " The iNigbtliS3 Land " as a solo, and Miss Hu'nn " The Better Land." " Oh, Lord, my God " was given as a quartette by Mrs Hugh fiurrell, Mrs Colby, and Messrs G. and J. Bartholomew Mr 0. Raitholompw sang the solo " The Model Church," the choir taking up the chorus. Before the programme had been concluded a couple of presentations wore made, namely, to Mr J. H. Stevens and Mr W. G. Shearer. Mr G. Bartholomew made the presei.tations and with respect to the former said that Mr Stevens had acted as Secctary to the Church for years, but h«d to resign recently owing to private business, Rnd mem* l-ers ot the Lhurch wished to give him a recognition of past services. He trusted Mr Stevens wuiild accept the gift, which consisted ot a library of English literature, in five volumes, by Henry Morley, and also a handsomely bound bible. Mr Stevens suitably refurned thanks for the present, which he sail was quite unexpected. Mr Shearer was presented with three bojks— " fongs and solos and Christian Choir " (combined), " Life and Explorations of Dr. Livingstone," and " The World's Religions " — he having been connected with the Sunday School and choir, whifch positions he recently resigned. Mr She.irer exj re sed his thanks for the gift, which came to him as a surprise. On the motion of Mr T. Watson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded t> all those who Lad assisted at the tea and after meeting, including the speaks, the choir, and ladies who providjd the tea A very successful and pleasant gathering was brought to a close by all present standing and tinging an evening hymn, and the pronouncing o the benediction.