ROBING OF MINISTER

Southland Times, Issue 24242, 27 September 1940, Page 6

ROBING OF MINISTER

ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

The ceremony of robing the minister, the Rev. C. J. Tocker, with a new gown was performed at the annual meeting of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church last night before 1 an excellent attendance. Mr T. F. Gilkison introduced Mrs Wilson, the only surviving member of the church who has been continually a member since its inception 64 years ago, and called upon her to robe the minister in a new gown. Mrs Gilkison presented Mrs Tocker with a crocodile handbag and a bouquet of flowers as an expression of the regard and affection of the congregation.

In making reference to the financial statement, Mr Tocker said that in spite of the war. the extra taxation imposed and the increased cost of living, the finances of practically every organization of the church showed an upward tendency. He expressed his appreciation to all the members of the church for their efforts. During the evening, Mr Tocker introduced the Rev. H. C. Mathew, of Otahuhu, to the congregation. Mr Tocker said that Mr Mathew had arrived in Invercargill to take up the position of assistant superintendent of the Invercargill Borstal Institution, and he was sure that he would enjoy the fellowship at St. Paul’s. Mr Mathew was formerly the minister at the Otahuhu Presbyterian Church. Items were given during the evening by Messrs R. Fraser, Galloway and Rewi Kingsland, and Miss Nan Watt. Mrs A. E. H. Bath and Mr Norman Fraser were the accompanists.