Presentation to Rev. J. and Mrs Cocker.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 145, 18 December 1895, Page 2

Presentation to Rev. J. and Mrs Cocker.

A surprise party, numbering between forty and fifty, stormed and took possession of the Primitive Methodist Parsonage last evening in the twilight. Such was the crush that the lawful residents had to be satisfied with a very small space indeed. The crowd consisted of< the mem bers and friends of the Feilding Church, who selected this novel way to testify their appreciation of the Rev J, Cocker and his esteemed wife. This being the " giving season " each contributed cash or some useful article, so that altogether there was a respectable purse of money and a great variety of gifts suitable to the present season. A short programme was arranged in which a large number of those present took part. The inmates were aroused by outside singing, and when the large dining-room was uncomfortably filled, the following illuminated address was read by Mr J. C. Thompson : " Our Reverend Brother and much esteemed Sister Cocker : " We, the members of your Feilding society and congregation, beg to present you with our warmest Christian greeting. We hope our surprise party has not caused any serious shock to your nervous system. That would be far away from our purpose, which is to cheer and encourage you both in the noble and laborious life — work given in the Divine command : 'Go ye and preach the Gospel to every creature.' We gratefully recognise your selfsacrificing energy and zeal, inspired by love to God and man, which, under the Divine blessing, has brought our church in this circuit to its present satisfactory condition. In response, we tender you our support in all your enterprise to establish and extend our Master's Kingdom whilo amongst U9. Though believing that ' Virtue is its own reward ' and that no worldly consideration can compensate for a life spent for the glory of God and the good of men, and while we rejoice that there awaits such lives the blisscreating words ' Well done ' of our Master Prompted by our appreciation, we each bring a small token of our love, asking you to accept the same with our earnest prayers for your future happiness and welfare. Wishing you many happy returns of the season. We are, Sir and Madam, Your Feilding co workers and friends." The programme being completed, and Mr and Mrs Cocker having suitably replied, a very pleasant meeting came to a close.