PUBLIC WELCOME

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3603, 24 February 1927, Page 2

PUBLIC WELCOME

TO MR, AND MRS. W. 11,

NICHOLAS

The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) presided at a welcome social tendered to Mr. ancl Mrs. W. H. Nicholas in the Masonic Hall last night. There was good and representative attendance. The social was arranged by the Presbyterian Church management with the object of bringing their new pastor into personal touch with members and adherents of the church and the pub lie.

Appropriate welcome speeches were made by the Mayor (on behalf of the citizens). Rev. G. T. Brown of Palmerston North (Moderator of the charge during the vacancy) who spoke on behalf of the Wanganui Presbytery. In doing so Mr. Brown said the Foxton congregation were to be congratulated upon obtaining the sendees of one whose life and service was devoted to the Master in the fullest degree. He felt sure that with their co-operation (lie church would prosper both spiritually and materially. Mi's. Peryman, who apologised for file unavoidable absence of the Rev. S. Peryman, gave a warmhearted welcome bn behalf of the Methodists. Ensign Sansom delivered a welcome oh behalf of the Salvation Army. The Rev. W. H. Walton in according a. welcome on behalf of the Anglican' Church,- touched upon the necessity for sympathetic cooperation between members and ministers. ' ‘>o9B Mr. J. K. Hornblow extended a welcome on behalf of the officebearers and members. Mr Whitehead (Palmerston North) also spoke. In rising to reply, Mr Nicholas was accorded a hearty round of applause. In acknowledging the kindly expressions of welcome on behalf of Mrs Nicholas and himself, lie said he had been deeply touched by the kindness of the people since his arrival. He would like to state that lie laid no claims to being a preacher, but he hoped to deliver a simple message to them each Sabbath which would be helpful to them. He was pleased to know that lie would have the whole-hearted support of his officebearers, which was so essential to the spiritual, social and financial welfare of the church. He would give of his best and prayed that God’s blessing would rest on. their united efforts for the furtherance of His Kingdom in their midst.

The following message was read by the Moderator from “one who lias had the honour of speaking for the Master from the pulpit”: — “May God’s richest blessing attend your labours at Foxton, May you lie long sustained in health to carry k on the good work that He has called you to do and by His grace, will the Hearty, co-operation of the dear folk of Foxton, may all your ties be crowned with success foi’ His name’s sake.” ;

During the evening vocal items were rendered by Mrs > and Miss Downes, Miss Patterson, Messrs Gibson, Barron, and Kingston.

A tasty supper was served by the ladies and the social was closed with the usual votes of thanks and the Benediction.