PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3516, 27 July 1926, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Tho Rev. F. McDonald conducted his farewell services in the local Presbyterian Churli on Sunday. Despite the very inclement weather there was a good attendance at the evening service. At the conclusion of the sermon, Mr. McDonald conveyed his sincere thanks to the .congregation for the many kindnesses

oxlended to himself and Mrs McDonald during the period of liis ministry. He particularly referred to that period when sickness had laid he and Airs McDonald aside. Dm ing; his ministry he had received the hearty co-operation of office hearers and no minister could wish to work with warmer-hearted people. He was pleased to state that forty, had joined up with the church by confession of faith, which was a gratifying result. At the present time the charge'was passing through a critical period, but he had no doubt that if all co-oper-ated in service, seeming difficulties would be overcome. As from Wednesday, when his ministry ceased, the Rev. Q. T. Brown, M.A., of St. Andrew’s, Palmerston North, would officiate as interim moderator in charge and he felt assured that under his guidance a satisfactory settlement would be effected. The Rev. Arr. Brown would conduct the services next Sabbath and on Alonday would hold a congregational meeting to discuss filling the vacancy. He felt that the call to Pahiatua was a call from God and he asked for their prayers in his new sphere of labour. His prayers and good wishes would be with them all and, finally, lie commended them to God’s keeping. At the close of the evening service, Airs. McDonald met the Bible Class and presented each with a memento and thanked them for their lovely floral tribute and good wishes and urged them to keep up their attendance.

FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION AT RANGIOTU.

On Saturday afternoon, members of: the Rangiotu Presbyterian Clmrcli and friends, met at the'residence of Mr. H. TV’ilton to say farewell to the Rev. and Mrs. F. McDonald. Mr. McDonald was unable to attend owing to a recent attack of inlluenza.

Mrs W. Wilton, on behalf of the P.W.M.U., wished both Mr. and Mrs McDonald God-speed and presented the latter with a handsome imperial amphora vase as a souvenir, and the former with a pair of fur-lined motor gloves. Mrs McDonald thanked the donors of the presents and said she greatly appreciated the expressions of good-will and wishes for their future. They had made many friends in the district who had shown them great kindness, and it was with regret that they were moving on. She trusted that the church and the P.W'.M.U. would be blessed in the Master’s work.