PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4432, 27 March 1930, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

RE-UNION AND GARDEN PARTY. A congregational re-union and garden party in connection with the 85th anniversary of the ministry and settlement of the late Rev. Jas. Duncan in Foxton, took place at the residence of Mr. and Airs. John Ross, Tliyune Street, yesterday afternoon in delightful weather. There was a good attendance and among those present were represetatives ill’ other denominations. A treasure hunt, whieh consisted of locating- small parcels of clothes pegs kept a number on the move, the prize going to Airs. Gardner. Mrs. Evert on won the ladder golf competition and Aliss Patterson the putting competition. Another amusing competition was blindfold [legging the pig’s nose which was won .by All-. J. Al. Thomson. The Alayor (Air. AL E. Perreau) expressed his pleasure at being- present to join in the anniversary celeb rations and referred to the faithful services of.the late Rev. ■Jas. Duncan and those who hail followed him in ministering to the spiritual needs of the parish, all of whom had laboured faithfully and well. He also paid a tribute to the present minister and Airs. Nicholas and hoped that the present celebrations would stimulate the activities of the church.

Afr. .J. K. Hornblow briefly traced the history of the charge and referred to the presence among them that afternoon of Aliss Duncan, daughter of their first minister —n wonderful link with the past. He was pleased to notice among tlie guests Airs. A. S. a faithful and devoted church worker for over half a century in a sister denomination, also Airs. E. H. Barber. The* lives and services of such pioneers were examples to the present- generation. The Rev. \V. H. Nicholas also paid a tribute to those who had laboured in the parish in the past a nd hoped that the present celebrations would stimulate all to renewed activities in the future. A large and artistically decorated birthday cake, made by Mrs. John Ross, was then* cut by Miss Duncan and handed round, after which the hymn "O God of Bethel” was sung. A bevy of ladies handed round a bountiful afternoon tea and at the conclusion, votes, of thanks and musical honours were accorded Mr. and Mrs. John Ross and All*, and Mrs. la n Ross for supervising a pleasant and memorable gathering.