CONGREGATION CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 469, 29 May 1912, Page 5

CONGREGATION CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. R MITCHELL,

The fifth anniversary of Te Kuiti Congregational Church was held on Monday evening last, taking the form of a tea meeting and the children were not in way bashful in enjoying the good things provided, and enjoyed the freedom of parental restraint. The tea meeting was followed by a public meeting at which representatives from all the various churches and townspeople were present, which fact, indicates the universal respect in which Mr Mitchell is held. Several musical items svere rendered. Appreciation for Mr Mitchell's past work in the district, and regret at his departure to Auckland were given expression to by the Revs. Gosneli, Armstrong, Hird and Gibson, and Messrs John Walsh, J. B. Young, J. H. Trinnear and J. Nicholls for the children. Apologies were read from Rev. E. S. Wayne and Mr James Buddie for their absence, which was unavoidable. Cr Floyd tendered apologies for the absence of the Mayor, and in a few well chosen remarks asked two children to present on behaifof the Sunday School scholars, a memento as a token of their love of Mr Mitchell. Dr Paxton, in a humorous speech, presented Mr Mitchell with a beautiful illuminated address and a purse containing fifty sovereigns. In a very touching reply Mr Mitchell thanked ail for their kindly remarks and gifts, assuring one and all of his continued interest, and support, in Te Kuiti and the backblocks. lie assured his hearers every opportunity would be grasped in his new sphere of labour to bring the difficulties under which the back country people live and labour before the public. He took this opportunity to thank he settlers for their many kindnesses in the past, and asked those in fellowship with the church to remain loyal, and he would judge the result of his labours amongst the members by their loyalty to the church.

ODDFELLOWS' FAREWELL.

A special meeting of the Loyal Te Kuiti Lodge, Manchester Unity Oddfellows was held on Saturday evening to bid farewell to Bro. the Rev. R. Mitchell. The Prov. Grand Master (Bro. H. A. Whittaker) specially attended and thanked Bro. Mitchell for the great services he had rendered the Lodge and Order, and on behalf of on behalf of the Lodge presented him with an illuminated address, a set of Past Officers' regalia, and a P.G.s' jewel, suitably inscribed. Every member present spoke of the Rev. Brother, and many instances ot his good work were recorded, general regret being expressed that more members of the clergy did not identify themselves with the goad work done by Friendly Societies generally, as Bro. Mitchell had done. Bro. Mitchell very feelingly replied and stated that during his connection with the Lodge he had received much benefit socially and that he was amply repaid for any service he had rendered when he realised the strong bond cf fellowship that existed between them and himself. The members adjourned to an excellent supper prepared in Bro. Thomson's usual first-class style, and B ro. Holland, who prepared the address, was complimented by the Prov. G.M. on the excellence ot" his work.