WELCOME SOCIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1035, 25 April 1912, Page 3

WELCOME SOCIAL.

A social to welcome the Rev. Mr Thomson was held iu the Masonic Hall last night, when despite (he inclemency ot the weather, there was a fair attendance. The Rev. Mr McKenzie occupied the chair. An apology for absence was read from the Rev. G. Young-Wood-ward.

A telegram from the Rev Mr Aitkeu to Mr Thomson was read as follows: “Present with you iu spirit to-day, if absent in body. Pray that God will .abundantly bless your ministry.” The proceedings were opened by the singing of the 100th psalm by those present and prayer by Rev. Mr McKenzie.

The chairman briefly outlined the steps taken to fill the vacancy since the departure of the Rev. Mr Aitkeu and then called upon Mr Horublow to welcome the new minister on behalf of the congregation. Mr Hornblow said he would have preferred this portion of the programme to have been undertaken by Mr Alex. Speirs, who was the oldest male member of the local church, whereas the speaker was a comparatively new member. However, he had great pleasure indeed in welcoming Mr Thomson on behalf ot the Foxton congregation. He referred to the difficulty that had been experienced iu filling the vacancy and the time the charge had been without a resident minister, but said that in the end to get a man of Mr Thomson’s abijity was well worth the waiting for. He assured Mr Thomson that they would all do their best to assist him aud expressed the hope that his ministry would be abuudaulv blessed and also that the town would benefit by his residence here.

Mr Costall (Rongotca) also spoke on behalf of the outlying portions ol the charge. The Revs. A. Doull and A. Rauderson welcomed Mr Thomson on behalf of the Presbytery. Mr Doull touched on past history in connection with Presbytery meetings. He said Mr Thomson and himself were schoolboys together at Bulls, and it was indeed a great pleasure to him to be afforded the opportunity of being again inclose proximity to him. He was pleased at being privileged to voice the welcome ot Presbytery, in addition to his own personal welcome. The call to Mr Thomson had been a most unanimous and hearty one, and he hoped that his ministry would be abundantly blessed, and he lelt sure the members ot the congregation would in future have reason to congratulate themselves on their choice.

Mr Randersou expressed his pleasure at being privileged to welcome Mr Thomson on behalf of the Presbytery aud also on his own behall. As a member ot Presbytery he was very glad to have a man like Mr Thomson among them, aud he was also glad to welcome him as a neighbour.

His Worship the Mayor (G. H. Miles, Ksq.J welcomeU the reverend gentleman on behalf of the people of Foxton as a future citizen. He congratulated the members ot the Presbyterian Church on the choice they had made, and expressed the hope that his advent ai >.■ -igst them, would mark anew er.i .u prosperity in the history ol the chmch both numerically, financially and spiritually. He referred to the union ot the Methodist and Presbyterian churches ot Canada and expressed the hope that eventually a union of all the evangelical churches would be an established fact. In conclusion he said that Mr Thomson would have the loyal support of his committee aud congregation, and he wished him a happy stay in Foxton,

The Rev. Mr Coats worth, on behalf of the Primitive Methodists ot Foxton extended a hearty welcome to Mr Thomson. He felt sure that Mr Thomson’s congregation would think very highly ot him aud would rally round him, as it was necessary for a minister to succeed to have the help of his people. He hoped that his woik would be successful in every way.

Mr Thomson, in responding, said it was indeed a great pleasure to him to receive such a hearty welcome as that which had been tendered. The Wanganui Presbytery was his home, and the warm reception ot the Foxton congregation and people and the Presbytery was therefore all the more pleasing to him. It was only the other night that he had had to say farewell to the people whom he had worked amongst years, and he hoped the Foxton people would not make him shilt again too soon. The call sent him had been a most hearty one, and he could do no more than accept it in as hearty a manner as it had been tendered. The ques-

tion to be decided by a minister was not whether the sphere, considered from a worldly point of view, was large or small, but the work that be could do in tbe service of our Master. He would like to reciprocate the words uttered by tbe previous speakers. Mr Doull had referred to the fact that they had been schoolmates together. He understood that when they first met they had been little more than babes in arms — but that period bad escaped bis memory. They had studied together as scholars under the speaker’s father and also sat together under Mr Doull’s father’s ministry, and he was pleased that after a lapse of so many years they should again be brought into close proximity with each other, lu regard to the remarks of the Rev. Mr Coatsworth the speaker expressed the hope that they would work harmouiouly together, and with full co operation, and although they would be pulling separate oars they would both he endeavouring to thrust forward the same boat—that of the glorious gospel of God. He assured the Mayor that he would always take a big interest in all matters that concerned the people of Foxton as a whole. He also congratulated the citizens upon retaining the services of their Mayor for a further tei m. He asked the congregation to assist him aud hoped they would show that responsiveness between people and pastor that meant so much for the success of the minister. He had come to Foxton seeking their whole friendship aud love, and trusted they as a congregation would give it to him. He was prepared to give his heart to his congregation and it they both did this God would bless tbe union.

During the evening songs were contributed by Misses Henderson and D. Signal, and Messrs Longworth aud Collins, and a duet by Messrs Longworth and Blake. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Wrigley, Miss Signal and the Rev. Mr McKenzie.

Refreshments provided by the ladies were handed round, and the function was brought to a close by the pronouncing of the benediction of tbe Rev. Mr Thomson.