PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. HARRIS WILLS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 587, 6 May 1876, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. HARRIS WILLS.

On Thursday afternoon a few of the friends of the Rev J. Harris Wille me! at the reading-room, Southbridge, for the purpose of presenting him with an address, accompanied with a purse of in recognition of his ser\ices whilst officiating as incumbent of the parochial district of Ellesmere. The address and purse were handed to the guest of the evening by Mr C. J. Bridge, who, in a few appropriate remarks, in the name of the subscribers, both present and absent, testified to the valuable services rendered to the district by their late pastor, and to the indefatigable manner in which he had always discharged his parochial duties. He was sure not only would he be missed amongst his immediate circle of friends, but also by the sick and poor. In conclusion, he wished Mr Wills, on behalf of his late parishioners, every success in his future career, and trusted that the remembrance of this parting would tend to remind him of the many friends left behind, and help to cheer him when far away. Dr Chapman, who had been deputed to present Mr Wills with a written testimonial, then read the following address, Which had received over seventy signatures ; parochial district. We, the undersigned members of the Church of England and other residents in the Ellesmere district, desire to express our regret on the eve of your departure from among us. We are sensible Of the seal and ability you have displayed in working a large and scattered district, which, Combined with your uniform kindness of tnanner, has endeared you to the majority of those who have been under your care. We sincerely trust that in your future home you may enjoy both health and happiness.” The rev gentleman then rose, and in returning thanks for the memento just received, assured his friends that he parted with them with deep feelings of regret, and that the few short months spent amongst them would be indelibly impressed on his memory as some of the happiest moments of his Chequered and not uneventful career.