A POPULAR MINISTER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9418, 14 April 1909, Page 8

A POPULAR MINISTER.

: , We take the following from the Poverty Bay Herald « . The Rev. U. Griffin, who has been -resident minister at Gisborne for the last three years, leaves here on Sunday next for Marton, in the Wanganui district, where ho assamea charge of the Methodist Church, Advantage was taken last night of a full gathering at the Church to make a presentation of an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns subscribed by the. raemoera of the congregation. Mr J. Edwards (excircuit'steward) presided, and in a well-ohogen speech eulogised the work which had been accomplished dnricg the term of Rev. Griffin’s ministry in Gisborne, more especially during the last twelve months.

Much solid and satisfactory progress had been made, _pnd the affairs of the Ohuroh were as a r esult in a very prosperous condition. The business methods > hacT : been gorupietely reorganised, whilst the external and. internal condition of the premises had been thoroughly repaired »ad renovated. Ho then presented the address and accompanying purse or sovereigns. Several speakers , bore testimony to the solid and building wotk which iiad been scconjplisbQu during the residence of Mr Griffin, and .wished him and his family every success in their new sphere. Mr Griffin, in replying, acknowledged the ' token of appreciation* and said that it was exceedingly gratifying to him to be able to leave the Church in a satisfactory condition. He had great hopes for the future of Methodism in Gisborne, and trusted that air would do their best towards achieving this end, and assisting the Rev. J. A. Lochore in his work. The following is the text of the address:—“Rev. O. Griffin - Dear gi r> _In oonsequenoe"of the itinerary of the Methodist Church the time for your departure from Gisborne is rapidly approaching. ■ As representing the congregation we, the undersigned, desire to sincerely convey to •you our appreciation of your three years’ ministry and sojourn in Gisborne. Notwithstanding many serious difficulties and much uphill work the Ohuroh is now in a prosperous condition, based on a solid and satisfactory foundation, chiefly owing to yonr efforts. Sincere sympathy is accorded to yon and yours in connection with the deep chastening .to which you have recently been subjected by the sudden death of yonr daughter. We ask your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a small token of the esteem of those with whom you have been associated in Church matters during your residence in Gisborne, _We remain on behalf of the congregation, with best wishes for success and prosperity.—-Yours sincerely” (Here follow the signatures). At the regular meeting of- Lodge Aberoorn, on Tuesday evening, in the presence of a very large gathering of Masonic brethren, a presentation was made to Rev. O. Griffin, chaplain of the Lodge, on the occasion of his approaching departure from Gisborne. The presentation, which consisted of a handsome Masonic jewel, was made by W.JBros. Robertson and G. T. Ball, who spoke of the esteem and regard in which Bro. Griffin was held and the soirow felt at his departure.