Primitive Methodist Church

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 3 February 1891, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Church

Last night a most pleasant tea, and entertainment was held at the Primitive Methodist Church to "farewell" the Rev. Mr Olphert who is leaving the district for Den* niston, and to welcome Mr Raine, the gentleman who replaces Mr Olphert. The ladies of the congregation provided a capital repast, which was partaken of by a very large gathering. After tea had been cleared, Mr Westwood was voted to the chair and he called on Mr Raine to engage in prayer. Mr Gower afterwards rose and^ spoke of..Jk^^i*sfߣi * n church wori^^^^^^^^pmplished during lirjl^^^pprm of office. It had been state^Pil^at when the devil entered into the church and remained there, he was to be found in the choir, but in their instance it was evident he had not entered the church at all. He moved a resolution recommending the Rev. Mr Olphert to the people of Denniston. This was most cordially received and carried amidst applause. Mr R. McLean then rose to propose that the Rev. Mr Raine be heartily received. He took the opportunity to express the success which had attended Mr Olphert 's efforts in the church. He referred to the unanimity that existed amon^^j the members and stated that have no jars, never prepare for any^^J when a voice, full of the recollectioi^* of the tea exclaimed " only jam jars." He regretted Mr Olphert's removal. Mr Olphert, who rising was received with applause, thanked the meeting for its resolution. He jokingly alluded to the «• Irish" rises he had received since the time he first resided here, some four years ago. However he recognised the voice of the Conference as represent' ing the voice of God, and accepted his appointment to Pennistan in that spirit. He would have preferred to have remained here, He spoke of the past pleasant times and remarked that he had never been in a place where he had 4ound so much true warm-heartedness and Christian feeling and unity as he had found here. He looked forward to the time when it might be possible he would be again stationed here He appealed very strongly and affectionately to those who were outside Christ to ac* cept of him at once, and trusted that if they should never meet again on earth they would in heaven. Mr Raine thanked them for the reception given to him. He impressed on the minds of His Hearers that it was not only the Minister alone who forwarded the interests * of the church, but that every memberhad his share of the work. He believed that they would all do their best. The meeting was also addressed by Mr Honore, Capt. Arnold (S.A.) and Mr Westwood. Most of the speakers spoke of the efficiency of the choir and the cheerful assistance afforded by its help to to the preachers. P.etween the speeches the choir sang many hymns, and a duet by the Misses Bellman and Gibson was much appreciated. Miss Newth kindly presided at the organ. Mr Osborne proposed a vote of thanks to the ladie3 for the trouble and care taken in providing everything to make the meeting the success it was, and he alse thanked the speakers for their kind remarks about the choir. A very pleasant and profitable evening was thus passed and closed a little after 10 p.m.