A SOCIAL AT TOKO.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 86, 18 April 1913, Page 2

A SOCIAL AT TOKO.

WELCOME AND * PRESENT ATION TO REV. J. PATTISOX.

A very successful welcome social was given last evening by the Toko congregation and district to the Rev. J. Pattison, in the Coronation Hall, Toko. At the invitation of Toko friends, a large number of Stratford Presbyterians were present. These, with the local residents and otners from the surrounding district, made up a large attendance, and practically filled the' hall.

The proceedings began with a teameeting in the Church, which was arranged in excellent taste by the ladies, and was much appreciated by those present, specially the friends who journeyed from a distance. After tea the people adjourned to the Hall, whore a most enjoyable social evening was spent. Mr T. Henderson occupied the chair. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to -entend a welcome to the Rev. J. Pattison. He was sure he voiced the opinion of the Toko congregation when he said that they all appreciated the way in which the Presbyterians of Stratford had given them the services of their visiting ministers during the past year, and the fact that their present minister proposed to continue the services. He thought that it was a fitting thing that Toko should show its appreciation of the services of the Minister, and hence the social. As it was necessary for the minister to have a horse and trap owing to the extensive district and specially for the Toko end of the parish ho thought their appreciation ought to take tangible form, and so it was decided to present to , him a new set of harness to suit the horse and trap. Mrs Hino was then asked to make the presentation on behalf of the Toko congregation and friends. In a very happy and appropriate speech, she presented a nbw set of splendid tan harness (made by Mr Aagaard, of Stratford), to Mr Pattison, observing that she was sure the Toko friends would often like to see the harness and the driver.

Mr Pattison, in accepting the present, said he was specially pleased to receive it from Mrs Hine, as she and her distinguished husband, although they belonged to the Church of England, had taken an active interest in the services, and in the social and presentation. The gift and the kindness that lay behind the offer were not, he understood, an expression of the good-will of the Toko Presbyterians only, but of the Toko community. He thanked Mrs Hine, the chairman, and the friends of the congregation and district for the’welcome they had given him, and for the valuable and appropriate present he had received. Ho presumed that the harness was designed to link up his interest and services; with Toko., And he ,could assure them .that as long as | the way 'was clear he would continue to .visit alia Conduct services in Toko. He hoped to give them the opportunity as often as possible of seeing the generous' gift they had bestowed. Mr Weir, at this stage, was called upon to express his views on the subject, and he spoke of the favourhlfte'Ttopression that the new minisi'A- had made in the district.

The presentation speeches and reply only occupied a short time. The larger part of the evening was devoted to songs, recitations, etc.

Airiongst the local contributors were Miss Monsoul, Miss Fields, Miss Bonbury, Mrs Smith, Miss Bain, the Misses Hine and Master Weir. Some of the Stratford friends taking part were Messrs Douglas, Patrick, Hale, and Thompson. Mrs McNeely rendered yeoman service as accompanist.

Tho social come to a close in the Hall with tho doxology, and those present then betook themselves to the Church, where an excellent supper was provided. This terminated one of the most enjoyable and successful church socials held in Toko.