VALEDICTORY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 135, 24 June 1937, Page 10

VALEDICTORY

Rev. D. N. MacDiarmid The Eev. D. N. MacDiarmid, who for the last two years has been minister in chargfr of St. Paul's Church, Napier, and who left yesterday to take up a position as director of Missions for the Presbyterinn Church of New Zealand, was, with Mrs. MacDiarmid, entertained at a farewell social before leaving. The Eev. D. J. A. Shaw, of Hastings, presided over an attendance of some 300 members of St. Paul's congregation. Eepresentatives of other denominations were also present, , The Eev. F. W. Eobertson, moderator, paid a high tributc to the sterling worh for tho church done by Mr. MacDiarmid and his wife during his brief cniuistry in Napier, and remarked on the progress ehown and the happy co-opcra-tion between the minister and his people. The Eev. E. H. Kedgley, on behall oi' the Napier Ministers' Association, spoke of the great part taken by Mr. MacDiarmid in interdenominational meetings held, and statcd that he had been highly respected by the other ministers of the town. Expressing the regret of the youth organisations of the chureh at Mr. MacDiarmid 's departure, G. I. Bickerstaft' mentioned the happy relations which had existed at al] times between the minister and the Bible classes, and spoke highly of Mr. MacDiarmid 's co-operation in all phases of Bible-class work. Mrs. Storkey spoke on behalf of tho women 's organisations of the church, Mr. J. Williams for the session, and Mr. A. MeGlashan on behalf of thle managers. On behalf of the Church of England, Dean Broeklehurst expressed deep ret*>ot at Mr. MacDiarmid 's departure and wislied hiirf the best of goodwill i'rom St. John's. Mr. MacDiarmid, in a fecling reply, stated that he was sorry that he was leaving Napier, but he had been called to a greater work and he was jirepared to do his best in whatever spliere the chureh called him to. He thanked all present for the goodwill expressed and hoped tliat he still would be able to meet members of St. Paul's Chureh in his new position. Musical items were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Sfevensou, Mr. and Mrs. Ulric Williams, Mr. J. Drummond and Mr. A. W. Pacey.