Primitive Methodist Church.

Manawatu Herald, 7 March 1895, Page 3

Primitive Methodist Church.

♦ On Sunday farewell sermons to good congregations were preached by the Re& F. W. Boys. The church was decorated with ferns, tois, fruit and flowers, in a light and artistic manner. On. Tuesday evening the announced harvest festival and fruit banquet was held in the church. A large display of fruit of almost every description and vegetables was made. Mr Gibson, the Circuit Steward, took the chair, and gave the financial statement of Circuit of the last quarter, and also spoke upon tbe , work* of the Rev. Boys during his stay xk the district. He showed in the statement, that the income was £48 16s 6d, and the expenditure was £47 10s sd, leaving a debit balance of £4. After speaking of the past liberalty of the members and congregation of the church, he felt assured that the present congregation would not. allow tbe deficit to remain; bat would liberally respond in the appeal to clear it. He offered to. find one-fourth of the amount, if those present found the remaining three-fourths. In answer to the appeal the amount was immediately tendered. Mr" Gibson then thanked the givers, and expressed himself as satisfied that his confidence had not been misplaced. Addresses were given by Messrs Howan, Westwood and Osborne, speaking principally in appreciation of the work and labour of the Rev. F. W. Boys, and asking for the cordial sympathy of the church for the new minister, the Rev.C. Barnctt. The chairman then rose to make a pleasing presentation to Mr Boys, on behalf of the members and con» greOation of the church, as a memento of his services. He spoke in suit* - able terms about Mr Boy's labours and then presented him with a Gladstone travelling bag and rug. Miss Gibson then rose, and, on behalf of the young people's Christian Endeavour Society, presented to Mrs Boys a case of silver tea spoons, engraved with initials, as a token of their appreciation of her husband's labour among the young. Mr Boys replied in a very feeling manner for the unexpected gifts i-^made to him that evening. He remarked on the pleasant period he had laboured amongst them and of the good spirit and feeling which had existed between the pastor and fhe church. We may remark that the gifts did cause genuine surprise as the res oipienfcsjaad had no opportunity of learnings of the intention of the givers. Mr Kirby, from Shannon, then moved a vote of thanks to the chair and to tbe ladies and to all who had take]} part in such a successful gathering, and he wished on behalf of the church God's richest blessing to rest on Mr and Mrs Boys, in their future sphere of labour. Fruit and pastry, and cordials were harlfled round and freely partaken of. The show of fruit and vegetables was & very fine one, samples of all kinds being excellent. The donors are to be. congratulated on possessing such well-kept gardens, and the show was distinctly a credit to the district. The vegetables and fruit remain-. ing over after the meeting were disposed of privately. The result of the festival in money and gifts amounted to £9. During the evening the full choir ganganthemsat intervals, concluding with the well-known hymn " Farewell, faithful friends. Miss L. Gibson presided at the organ. Mr Oaborne was the conductor of the choir. All the ladies of the congregation are entitled to the credit attaching to the decorations and the arrangements of the festival, they having been entrusted with its entire management. y We are informed that this was the most successful gathering yet held by the church, and is looked upon as highly satisfactory, considering the depression that is exisU ing.