Farewell Gatherings.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7081, 1 March 1893, Page 3

Farewell Gatherings.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The Sophia street hall was well occupied laob evening by a gathering of Congregationalism to say farewell to the Kev. E. D. Cecil, who has been their pastor for the past three years, and is now about to leave the Colony. The farewells began last Friday when the pastor took leave of the Band of Hope, which he starled in connection with the church. One of the children moved that a vote of thanks be recorded in the minutes for Mr Cecil’s zeal and energy as their president On Sunday afternoon the Sunday bohool (of which Mr Cecil was superintendent, and teacher of the senior boys’ class) bade him formal good bye. On bunday evening Mr Cecil preached his farewell sermon, to a full congregation as already recorded. On Monday evening be met hie adult Bible class for the last time, a d before oeparating, Mr Hollow, on behalf of the cl ss, presented their leader with a handsome silver-mounted greenstone paper knife, and expressed the regret of tho class at his departure and their best wishes for his success in tho future. They felt deeply grateful for the zeal and energy he had displayed in the work ; lime and trouble bad been no object with him; and he opoke for the class in assuring bun they felt that they had derived great benefit from bis instruction. The email memento they asked him t 0 ace ? Pf c« b °P" d would remind him from time to time of the many hours they bad spent, so advantageously to them, in their Bible class. Last evening a social gathering was held to give the adult members of the congregation an opportunity to say good-bye, and there were also present some visitors from ot her churches, and from no church, personal friends of Mr Cecil i he Bev W. 0. Woodwa-d (Primitive Methodist.) represented the ministers of Timaru. A letter was read from the Rev K 7. J. Williams (Wesleyan), expressing regret that absence from home would prevent his being present, and very high appreciation of the privilege be bad enjoyed of personal intercourse and active oo operation in good works with Mr Cecil. Tiie Rev W Gillies wrote from Musterton on Saturday thin ho wound he present if possible, but a telegram came later that delay of the steamer made it impossible* The Bev Mr Robins of Akaroa who is to take temporary charge oi the church was present. During the evening a few musical items vvere given, and sevens addresses. Mr Wood ward spoke of the zeal and energy with which Mr Cecil had shown in g7 tho Lord’s work, especially in regard to temperance yyork, and *isbed him happiness and prosperity mbis high vocation wherever bo ought go. Mr Robins referred to the past of the Congregational. Church in Timaru, and joined with other Sisters in good wishes for Mr Cecil’s future Mr V Hogben made some remarks upon toe nmffreßsive” character of Oongrega’ionalisib and commented upon the principles staged in Se pSw by Mr Cecil, Of which we gave a summary a tow days ego, that all truth u from God, that thoolucy and that the “eocial question »»,?«“* concern of religion, said that these prmc.ples had been taught and a* ad upon by M. Cecil during bis ministry in limaru. , . • the congregation MrJ. Hen-op eulogised their departing pastor, for his z* al ui a work, the kindliness and Christian *P !r ' t , a . ls ‘ ,laved in all bis dealings, and presented him wnh a purse of sovereigns apt) » handcame walking stick, the latter as a slip lit token of remembrance from Ms l luie church in Timaru. Mr J. Mtomer, a* 000 who had occasionally attended Mr ueci « public ministrations, spoke f )r some time un vigorously on the necessity for progress in 0 manner of preempting religious tryth, nn-

1 progressive religion being dead religion He very forcibly applied one of the parables of Jesus, declaring that every one who suffered through the inequity of the exist'ng economic system, the starving, the neglected, the injured by deliteriouo occupations, the “ submerged tenth ” generally, were the modern and existing representatives of the man who fell among thieves on the way to Jericho, and he made some pointed allusions to the classes who “ passed by on the other side ” Mr Storrier wound up with a ringing declamation of a verse of, “ A Man’s a Man for a’ that.”

Mr Cecil made a long reply. Ho complimented the donors of the presents on having kept their secret well. He had expected a few words fi\. m Mr Harrop, but the presents took him® quite by surprise. He received them as tokens of kindly feelings towards him, and as a certain measure of the value of the work he had done for them, and accepted them without any sense of shame as if feelmg that they expressed more kindness in the people towards him than he bad felt towards them. They seemed to show that they in some measure perceived what he would have them perceive, the real heartfelt interest he had had, not only in the work of tae Church, but in the welfare and personal circumstances of every one connected with the church. Mr Cecil then took advantage of the opportunity to give a word of advice to the congregation regarding the treatment they should accord bis successor, permanent or temporary. In expressing his gratification at the appreciation and satisfaction with bis work, shown that evening, he regretted that he had received no intimations of it during the three years he had been among them, and he urged them not to treat bis successor so diffidently,but to support and stimulate him by manifesting their appreciation and sympathy, and not reserve such manifestations until he was going away. He doubted whether they would get a pastor who would continue to teach them on the same lines as himself, they were so few of them yet in New Zealand of the same way of thinking. Apparently the people were not yet ready for it, as those few were leaving their churches. He trusted they would get a pood man, and hoped that they would cordially help him in all good works; especially in work connected with the training of the young ; if they did that the future of the church would be secured, and it would become a great moral power for lifting and blessing a part of’ the rising generation of this town, and justify the existence of the church. In conclusion be moved n hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted to make the gathering a success. The meeting then closed, Mr Cecil standing at the door, and shaking hands and wishing each good bye as bis congregation and friends passed out.

KINGSDOWN SCHOOL,

A large gathering of the residents in the Kingsdown school district took place at (he school yesterday to bid farewell to Mr William Brown, the schoolmaster, who has been in charge of the school for the past nine years and is about to pav a visit to his aged parents in Scotland The esteem in which Mr Brown is held in the district was well shows by the fact that many farmers left their harvest work to attend the meeting. When Mr Brown took charge of the school it was a very email one, an aided school of less than 20 ; it has now a respectable attendance roll. The parents and pupils regret very much bis departure, and the former showed the greatest alacrity in assisting to make bis farewell a gratifying one to him. Tea was provided for the children, and then for the adults, Mr Brown being their guest. Tea over, Mr I). Munr >, ehairm mof the Committee, on behalf of the parents banded Mr Brown a handsomely executed and framed address, and a gol I albert and seal, the Committee having already given him a testimonial appreciative of his qualifications and success as a teacher.

Mr Munro spoke of the high appreciation in which Mr Brown had always been held ia the place, for his exemplary conduct; the young people could not do better than try to frame their conduct and character on hie example. The address (which was written and illuminated with native foliage by Mr J. L. Higgs) was as follows; William Brown, Esq Kingsdown. Dear Sir, — We. the residents of Kingsdown, beg to express our sincere reg'et at your departure from amongst us, after nine years service ae teacher in our district school. Your conscientious, impartial and kind behaviour has won for you the esteem and confidence of the parents and the respect and love of your (scholars. Of your teaching we can testify, our children having been taught ia a thoroughly sound and intelligent manner, the effects of which, we feel sure, will be lasting. On this your proposed visit to your native land we wish you a safe and prosperous voyage, and wherever you may roam you will have our beat wishes for your happiness and prosperity. In conclusion wo ask your acceptance of the accompany presents, namely, a gold albert end seal] and a photograph of the school and pupils , also from your pupils an inkstand and pencil case, which wo know you will not treasure oo much for their intrinsic value as for the kind feelings that prompt their presentation.” The address was signed on behalf of the parents by the chairman and throe other members of com miUoe and on behalf of the pupils by Lizzy 1 Dvnes.

'Miss Lizzie Dynes then, on behalf of the pupils, presented to Mr Brown an inkstand and pencil case, and the following letter ; “ Dear Mr Brown, —We your scholars wish to tell you how eorry we are that you are now going to leave us. Wo all like you very much, fou have been very kind, and have always worked hard for our advancement. We hope you will safely cross the sea and reach your far away home, finding your friends well. We will be glad for you to accept our little presents, and keep them as a remembrance of the children of Kingsdown. Believe us to be, dear master, your loving scholars. Signed ou behalf of the scholars, Lizzy Dynes” Mr J. Oraigie, wno wsu formerly and for some years chairman of the committee, said be had been us long upd »s ci-.sdy acquainted with Mr Brown as anyone, and n more straight forward and conscienlims man he had never known. Ho had the greatest common sens-*, never interfered in other people’s business or spoke ill - f anyone, and ho ' had nob »n enemy in the plsce He had never shown the least favourii ism among the pupils—a great thing in • teacher -but had proved himself in evarv way a roan of high principle Mr Brown’* diameter, and the estimation it was held in, was reflected in the unanim us sentiment of kindness and respect shown by that gathering He had never seen such genuin" regret at the departure of anyone If Mr Brown had asked for leave of absence instead of resign ing, it would have been most willingly •granted, and he believed that was the feeling of the Board of Education also. The best he could wish the new teacher was that be would receive similar marks of respect and love when be came to leave them. Other residents added to the tribute of esteem and iv gard.

Mr Brown replied very briefly, being overcome by the kindness of hie friends. He bod done his beet, according to hie ability, to discharge his cJut.ies. bur had deserved nothing like this ; their address and presents we o beyond his deserts. Ho liked the people, old and young, and was very sorry to leave them. Mr Brows leaves on Saturday, going borne r ; & Australia.