INGLEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 79, 1 April 1903, Page 2

INGLEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

FAREWELL TO REV. A. D. SPI&R3. Notwithstanding the rain, which began soon after 7 o'clock, there was a good attendance at the farewell social on Monday evening to the Rjv. A. D, Spiers, who h>s been in charge of the Inglewood mission of the Presbyterian Ohurch for tha pas* 12 or 18 months. The chair was taken by the Rev. S. 8. Osborne, of New Plymouth. The proceedings opened with the singing of the 100 th Ps ilm and prayer, after which the Rev. Chairman read apologies from the Revs. J, E. Bertram, Moderator of the Taranaki Presbytery, W. D. Phillips (Manaia), H. J. Jones (Patea), and Mr E. G. Allaworth, Editor Daily News. Mr Osborne then gave a short but interesting address, in the course of which he referred to tha growth of the caua i i at Inglewood, and the valuable services rendered by Mr Spiers, who he said was leaving »«ith the good wishes of every member of the congregation. The choir then gave an excellent rendering of the anthem " Blessed is be that Gometh." Mr Brownlee also favoured with a song, and the orchestra gave an excellent item. The Rw. Sou'hern, who has just succeeded ths R-jv, Dudley in the Metholist Ohurcb, then gave an rxcell'-nt address, in the course of which he expressed his regr t that Mf Spiers was leaviag so soon after his arrival. Mr Sullivan then gave a very beautifully rendered clarionette salo, which was followed by another sweetly rendered anthem by the choir " Send the Light." The Rev. Ohapple followed with a very encouraging address, in the course of which he bora testimony to the faithful labour of Mr Spiers. The orchestra then gave another of their excellei.t'y rtndered items, after which Mr Spfe-s was presented with a pursa of eover- ] eigns, as a slight testimony of the estee-n in which he was h.ild by the people amongst whom Le had la- ■ bou ed. The Rev. A. D. Sp r ers made 1 a very feeling reply, in th« coursi of which he referred to the difficulties of working up a new district. He hai, however, been greatly encouraged, and helped by the whale hearted and loyal support he had received from the piopk of the congregation, and expressed the opinion that there was a great future before - the church in the district. Hs thanked them for the pres'ntation, and s\U the many kindnesses which t hey had shown him dur-1 ing his stay amongst them. He hoped ] they would extend the same help and | kindness to his su3C°ssor,

After excellently rendered songs by Miss Olimie and the Rjv. Ohappie, refreshments which had teen supplied on a most liberal and substantial seal) were banded round, and half an hour spent in social intercourse, after wl ich the usual votes of thanks were proposed by Mr Lindsay, and the anthem '' Press On " by th 9 choir, followed by tbe benediction, conclud-d one of the most successful n>i l enjoyable gatherings ever held io loglewood.