Farewelling a Minister.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 142, 20 June 1904, Page 4

Farewelling a Minister.

REV. J. H, WHITE AT OKATQ. Familiar and welcome in almost every household in his district, extending from Tataraimaka along the coast beyond Hahotu, flev. J, 11. White, Methodist Home Missionary, has become beloved by many and respected by all, whatever their denomination. ' Always genial and happy, his visits have been looked forward to, and it isi admitted on all sides that Ms work in his very large district has been eminently successful in every respect, and ft very g< ir eral themo of conversation la the manner in which the missionary lias visited the homes along the coast, besides attending to his duties as & preacher. As a pastoral visitor his ocjual will bo hard to find, Tho esteem In which he is held was fully evidenced on Thursday evening, when in spite of the wot and miserable weather there was a lurge attendance at the Heiiipton Hall, Okato, at a function arranged to furewell tho reverend gentleman and his family, Mr White being under orders lo take up work at Kuinura, in the West Coast district of the South Island. Those present were representative of Okato, Tataraimaka, Puniho und Warvn, with the Revs. J, N. Buttle and R. F. Williams and Mr Asher from New Plymouth. Mr Buttle, as superintendent of the circuit, took the chair. A somewhat lengthy musical and literary programmo was given, opening with a piano solo by Miss Hoebuck. Hongs were given by tho Misses Corbett, Messrs Robinson, Ingleiield, Jun., und A. Wells, und recitations by the Hisses (Jurhelt and Jeans and Mr Ingleiield. Rev. J. N. Buttle- said he first made the acquaintance of Mr White at the. Christchurch conference some years ago, and t.inco coming to the New Plymouth circuit lie had known him very intimately. Their relations lutd been most happy and coldial, and as he came to know more of his work lie held Mr White Ja the highest respect. His zeal nnd diligence were known to all. Parting with friends was never pleasant, but Mr White had accepted the change his appointment involved without a murmur. Being the first in the district, lie would l» held in remembrance us probibly nonu could be who succeeded him. Mr Eustace was the first speaker. With several touches of humour, he referred lo Mr White's work in the district. He distinctly remembered his early programmes, and thought them out of reach, but was bound to admit that on review ho had more tlmn fulfilled them all. Tl.ey had built a Whitelcy Memorial Church in New Plymouth, and ho thought the day would como when they would build a White Memorial Church on the Coast. Though his

name was White, Lis memory in the district would be ivergrein.

Mr Clemanoe, of ■"l'uniho, wii.» next called upon. l!o said hi.' might, represent the "now chums," lie well remembered tin- first service lie hud attended at Ukati), and the rest ami pence which he had experienced therein, and the more ho had heard Jlr White, Uio moru sure ho was o( the, high typo of ministry his district had for ,';o many years enjoyed. It was scarcely likely that they would k'et successors to equal him. Mr \'i Lite's long and consistent journeying evoked his admiration. Their 'departing minister was certainly tough, but he was also tender, The npeaiier's own children had come to love him, and his pastoral visits ami manifest sympathy left blessing Behind.

Mr 1 Joyce, deputed by Rev. F. W. Young (Anglican), who had \vired him to apologise for his regretted and unavoidable absence, being with his family weather-bound at Waltara, said he could not adequately represent Mr Young., He was sure that the church to belonged greatly regretted the departure from their midst of so 'broad-minded and catholic a minister as Mr White

had proved himself to be. In all public matters as a citizen, Mr ,WMte had ftlso ehowo his capacity. Mr Roebuck spoke of bringing Mr

White to Okato on his first visit. The favourable impression he then made he had maintained throughout

his whole term. He believed no house in the whole district, to whatever denomination its occupants wore attached, had been without the

friendly visitation of their pastor. They could do no less .than practically recognise his exceptional services, and it was with much pleasure

he presented a purse of gold from Mr White's friends in Okatp, Punlho and Warea.

Mr White spoke with considerable feeling, and said the hardest task devolved on him under present Circumstances. He was grateful to them and to God, but could not express all that was in his heart. He

bespoke their kindly help for his successor, who he trusted would have a happy and prosperous time in their midst, His own work was largely owing to the home ministry of a devoted wife and the unsparing co-operation of his children. He believed religion was vital, or ho would not tie a Christian minister, It was more essential than education, handicraft, or profession, and parents who failed in example or precept to commend it to their families were, in hie judgment, guilty of criminal reelect. The Bible, from which he ami J*' Young took their texts, was for both worlds—body as well as soul, time as well as eternity, for the godliness taught therein was profitable for the life that now is as well as for that to com?. A man with true self-regard would never do n. mean thing. In Mb judgment it was time the hedges between the churches were broken down. .Some would absent themselves from services except those of their own church. He thought it a mistake. If

his own folk were not at home to prepare his dinner, he did not go without, but ate it somewhere, else. He was specially glad that Mr Clemunce, a Congregationalist, had spoken that night, and that Mr Leslie and Miss Trnsk were to reopen the Sunday School in his own church next Sunday, which, for a while, to Ills great rpgrot, he had found impossible to staff. He believed that all In, the apostolic succession would with l'uul pray that graco might, be on nil who love the Lord Jesus Christ. He would never forget their kindness. What the purse meant of affection on their part was of more value to him than the coin it might hold.

Mr Ashor in his remarks referred to the time when the New Plymouth quarterly meeting sent the speaker, with Mr White ns his colleague, as a deputation to the district to report us to poos'.bilities of the. establishment of tho mission. Compelled to decline wh»n hu wan himself requested to take up the duties, Mr White was urged to accept tho appointment. He did bo, and with a self-uflfnegation shared by his wife and family, so devoted himself to his work, that now four churches would bo a permanent record thereof. All ho heard indicated that it had been an exemplary appointment, and one of the wisest that could be made. ReT. n. F. Williams-followed., «nd said that though hie knowledge of Mr White was short, he ulrendy held hi in in reverence. As a young Home Missionary, he felt like Timothy In relation to l'aul In that mooting, Mr White's personality impressed him. There was a magnetism about his nature which would make it difficult for anyone to follow Idm. He ivas to visit tho friends and preach in three of their churches next Sunday week, and counted it a privilege to have bees present that evening. Ample and choice refreshments were servsd. Votes of thanks were given, and heart hand-shaking, with good wishes and good'-ljye, concluded a memorablo gathering,