FAREWELL TO REV. A. F. STEWART

Shannon News, 25 March 1927, Page 3

FAREWELL TO REV. A. F. STEWART

Rev. A. F. Stewart and Mrs Stewart, • who are leaving shortly for Bulls, i where Rev. Stewart will take charge of the Presbyterian Church in that town, were farewelled by the congregation of the local Presbyterian Church in the Druids’ Hall, last evening. There was a good attendance of members of the church and friends of other denominations. Mr Wouldes, secretary of the church, presided. Musical and elocutionary items were rendered by Miss A. Aim, Messrs H. Boyle and Howard Andrew, these being followed by the distribution of prizes to the scholars of the Sunday School and Young Worshippers’ League. Mr F. H. Taylor, in expressing his regret at Mr Stewart’s departure, said he did so with mixed feelings, indeed feelings of sadness. He said they were losing a sincere and firm friend, who was held in the highest esteem and regard by all, and in saying this he was only voicing the feelings of many others. As we pass through life we made many acquaintances and whosoever Rev. Stewart gave his friendship, they had a true and sincere friend. During his six years in our midst as a citizen, he had always been true and faithful. As a minister of the Gospel the Presby terian Church had had a man whom they might feel proud of. His work at Makerua, where he was held in the highest respect, had been of inestimable value as when he first came to Makeiua there was no church or Sunday i School to mark the Sabbath and the work he had rendered had been of the greatest-value. He trusted that in his new sphere of work he would receive the greatest blessing, which would redound to the honour of God and His. Church, Mr Hill, speaking on behalf of the congregation of the Methodist Church, after apologising for the unavoidable absence of Rey. Peryman, expressed their deepest regret at Rev. Stewart s departure. In doing so he eulogised the good work he had done, referring to the new ground, he had opened up in the northern end of his circuit. He would leave th6m with the kindest of thoughts and they trusted he would be blessed in his good work. The Mayer (Mr E Butt), speaking personally, said in the Rev. Stewart he was losing ope of the best friends he ever had and he would endorse the remarks made by the previous speakers. On behalf of. the citizens of Shannon he wished Rev. and Mrs Stewart happiness in their new home. Mr Wouldes, on behalf of the congregation, said Rev. Stewart had had a very difficult charge, which entailed a lot of travelling. This had to be faced in all weathers and it was only a man with a large heart that could face such a charge. : Rev,. Stewart had this qualification and they recognised they were losing a faithful and noble friend. He said they would always be pleased to see Mr and Mrs Stewart and they trusted Mrs Stewart would enjoy better health in their new home. He then presented Rev, and Mrs Stewart with tokens of the esteem in which they W6re held and recognition of the good work they had performed in Shannon. (Applause). Replying, Rev. Stewart expressed gratification at the warmth of feeling evidenced for Mrs Stewart and himself. He went on to say there were ministers who were classed as good, bad and indifferent, ’ but it was immaterial to him which category they classed him in, as he had always tried to preaCh and live the Gospel without fear. The ladies and gentlemen of the church had worked hand in hand, and had been faithful and helpful. He made special mention of Mrs McCulloch, of whom he said it would be hard to find a more faithful helper; and Miss A. Aim, as organist, whose services, he said, should be written in letters of gold. He said that in Shannon the-people were keen on sport, but they don’t always play the game. They support their sports organisations, but neglect the house of- God. If they are true sports, they would be just ai loyal to God as to sport. It is support and fidelity we owe to the Church. In conclusion he exhorfed the congregation to give to his successor, Rev. Williamson, the same loyal support they had accorded .to him. On Rev. Stewart resuming his seat, those present joined in singing “For they are Jolly Good Fellows.’’ A dainty supper prepared by the ladies was the# handed around. Votes of thanks were accorded the chairman and jthose who rendered itbms.