VALEDICTORY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 94, 20 April 1912, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

THE REV. J. M. THOMSON. A very enjoyable evening was spent in St. Andrew’s school room last night. The occasion was a farewell social to the Rev. J. M. Thomson, M.A., who lias been pastor of the Presbyterian Church iiere lor the last seven years, and who recently resigned on account of ill-health. Dr. Steven presided at the meeting, and in a few well chosen words expressed to Mr Thomson the regret of the congregation at his resignation, and wished him all success in his new charge. A most enjoyable musical programme was then gone through, songs being rendered by Airs Overbye, Miss M. Alack ay and Mr P. Thomson. Miss Blanche Morrison and Master Douglas Overbye also contributed violin solos. Two recitations by Mr F. H. Wilkie were specially well received. Towards the end ol the musical items, Mr A. Spence was called on to say a few words. Pie referred to the esteem in which Mr Thomson had been held during his tenure of office in the church, and expressed regret that illhealth had necessitated Ins removal to a more suitable climate. On behalf ;.f the congregation ho asked Mr Tnomson to accept a well-filled purse of sovereigns for himself, and a beautifully ornamental clock for Mrs Thomson. Mr J. W. McMillan, secretary of Church Committee, also referred in eulogistic terms to the good work done by Mr Thomson, and the regret that was felt at his departure. Air Thomson, in thanking the congregation on behalf of his wife and nimself, spoke feelingly of the many loyal friendships that he had made in Stratford, and the sorrow he felt at leaving. He also expressed his gratitude to those Ministers and others outside of his own congregation who had helped him so much by their good wishes and valuable presents. During the seven years of his ministry, he had seen tlie whole personnel of the Taranaki Presbytery change, and had seen nine ministers leave Stratford itself.

Supper was then handed round by the ladies of the church, and the social was brought to a close by all those present joining in the hymn “God be with You till We Meet Again.” The Rev. Mr Thomson has received an unanimous call to the congregation at Foxton, and left by train this morning for his new sphere.