METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4443, 24 April 1930, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH.

WELCOME TO NEW' MINISTER. The Methodisi schoolroom was tilled with a representative gathering last evening to welcome the Rev. Mr. Tapp and family lo his new parish. Mr. Tap]) arrived from Oknto, Taranaki, during 1 lie weekend. Mr. .1. iChryslall, senior circuit steward, presided and in welcoming I hose present expressed his pleasure a| seeing- representatives of other denominations in attendance. In extending a welcome to llieir new pastor and his family, Mr. Cliryslall said lie had been very tavonrably impressed with their new minister and be fell confident that the circuit would lie blessed under bis ministry. ‘The Mayor (Mr. Pcrreau) extended a welcome on behalf of the citizens and lie hoped his stay in their midst would be pleasant and that the church members would be loyal io their minister, to their church and to God. Eoxfon, lie said,- was s, line little town to live in and he felt sure be would find the citizens friendly and hospitable. He referred to the high esteem in which Mr. Tapp was held in his last charge where the. people were loath to part from him, hut Oka.fo’s Joss would be- Foxtail's gain. The Mayor referred to the work done by Mrs. Tapp among the children in their late parish and stressed the importance of such work. The Sunday school, said the Mayor, was the most important adjunct of the church. The Rev. W. 11. Nicholas extended a welcome on behalf of the Presbyterian Church and prayed that God’s blessing would rest upon their work' in Foxton. They would find that the Foxton folk were just as sincere and possessed the same kindliness of spirit and goodness of heart as any other place in New Zealand. The success of the work depended upon the loyalty, sympathy and co-operation of the members, without: which the church would fail. He urged them lo rally round their minister and uphold his hands. The Rev. \Y. H. Walton (Anglican) conveyed good wishes and hoped Mr. Tapp’s ministry among them would he happy, peaceful and progressive. He referred Lo his association with past ministers of the Methodist Church, the evidences of whose work was still felt in their midst. In each church were to he found a strata of loyal, faithful ami devoted people, who inspired the minister with hope aud i-onlideiiee. There would be difficulties to overcome hut with the sympathetic hacking- of his people Mr. Tapp’s stay among them would he blessed.

Mr. Horn blow also extended a welcome.

Ensign Smith (Salvation Army) said filial she hoped Mr. Ta.pp’s advent among them was both God sent and would prove a. God send and that his labours for Hie Master would be richly rewarded. Messrs Huntley (Sunday School superintendent) and Riches (c.ir-(-11 it: steward) also added a ' welcome.

Before calling upon Mr. Tapp lo reply the chairman made an appeal to the congregation for loyal service. He referred to the nobility of work and if church work was approached from the right motive — love to Christ —service would he •both willing and pleasurable. In this connection no service was too small. “Better a door-keeper in the house of God than to dwell iu the tents of the wicked,” he said. They could not all reach (lie top of the tree in service but there was much to do in the lower branches. Love to Christ was the great motive.

The li-ev. Air. Tapp, on rising to respond, was greeted with a round of applause. He said he had been much impressed by the welcome and the kindly and encouraging expressions of the speakers. When Air. Tapp and family arrived at tho parsonage, tea was already prepared for them and the room decorated with flowers. It was just like coming home and he felt as If l.e had known them till for a long time. He was sure they were going to have a happy time. He was particularly impressed with the welcome extended by the sister Christian denominations. He hoped they would not expect great things from him. He brought nothing new but to proclaim the old old story. (,tn behalf of his wife and family lie sincerely thanked them for the wel-

come. During I In- evening much appreciated vocal items were contributed by Mesdames !,. Bullard, Riches, and Mr. Deakin' and elocutionary items by Misses Stevenson and Tapp. The accompaniments were played by Airs. Honore and Mr. Deakin. The ladies of the congregation dispensed supper at. the conclusion.