WESLEYAN CHURCH, LEITHFIELD.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 254, 5 April 1875, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH, LEITHFIELD.

A numerously attended public tea meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church, Leithfield, on Friday last, to Fay farewell to the Rev John Armitage, who is about to take charge of the Oamaru circuit. Six tables were freely given by Mesdames Collier, Boyce, and the Bachelors, assisted by Mesdames Feathery, Ferrer, Misses Hawley, and Taylor. The proceedings of the public meeting were commenced with prayer by the Rev E. Freeman, M.A., Incumbent of Leithfield. The Rev H, Bull then introduced Mr J. S. Woodhouse who had kindly consented to preside over the meeting. The chairman referred to his happy intimacy with Mr Armitage, and his regret at his departure. The Rev Henry Bull also spoke of a long and happy acquaintance with Mr Armitage, and referred to the good that had been effected by his ministrations. The chairman said he had a duty to undertake, the performance of which gave him great satisfaction. He then read an address of which the following is a copy. “ Leithfield, April 2nd, 1875. “ Memorial presented to the Rev John Armitage, on the occasion of his departure from Leithfield, Canterbury, N.Z. “ Rev and Dear Sir,—lt is with feelings of deep regret that we have learned of your intended departure from this district to Oamaru, to which circuit you have been appointed by the New Zealand Conference. “We cannot allow the present occasion to pass without expressing our high appreciation of your Christian character and of your pulpit labors during the two years you have lived among us. “ Your public ministrations, by which we have been deeply profited, have shown you to be an able minister of the New Testament, while, in private intercourse, the urbanity of your bearing, and your sympathetic disposition, have made impressions upon our hearts which will be long cherished. “ We would also express our affectionate esteem for Mrs Armitage, whose friendship we highly value, and whose amiable qualities will long be remembered by us, “ Commending you to God and to the Word of His grace, we fervently pray that His divine blessing may ever overshadow and guide you and your family; and that your ministerial labors may be abundantly fruitful in the Oamaru circuit, “ Please accept the presentation accompanying this as a small mark of our friendship and esteem. “ Signed, on behalf of the Leithfield congregation, “Joshua Oliver, “ Steward. “And on behalf of the subscribers to the testimonial, “J. S, Woodhouse, “Alexander Greig.” The Chairman then said : —Mr Armitage, I have much pleasure in presenting to you, on behalf of this meeting, this handsome walnut writing desk, replete with useful materials ; also, this elegant silver inkstand, together with a balance in money, with which you are requested to purchase a suitable gift for Mrs Armitage. [Cheers.J The inkstand is very tasteful in design, was purchased from Messrs Coates and Co, and bears a suitable inscription. The Rev J. Armitage delivered an address in reply. Addresses of a suitable character were also delivered by the Revs E. Freeman, W. H. Horner ; Messrs T. Wilson, baiter, and Oliver. On the motion of Mr Armitage, a vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, and the proceedings were brought to a close by the Rev W. H, Horner pronouncing the Benediction.