WELCOME TO REV. T. G. BROOKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8095, 27 April 1906, Page 3

WELCOME TO REV. T. G. BROOKE.

Enthusiasm and sincerity were the keynotes of the very successful welcome functions tendered on Thursday evening by the Whitcley Methodist congregation, to Hev. T. G. Brooke, Mrs Brooke and family. .The attendance- at the Ma'was beyond expectations, the tables being (itled and emptied twice before all had been satisfied. The edibles were provided by the ladies of the congregation, who also waited on the tables. The social at night brought an audience that filled tuo hall, members of otior churches al tending in large numbers. The building had been most tastefully decorated. The proceedings opened with the singing of the hymn " The I Nativity," after which prayer was offered by Rev. Drew, Mr C. Carlor, circuit steward, presided, and extended a hearty welcome to the new minister. JNo less hearty and encouragiug were the remarks of Rev. W. Cannell, | on b.'half of the circuit; Mrs Douglas, for tic ladies; Mr £. Chattorton, for the local preachers; Mr WJiitakcr, the trustees ; Mr Pikett', the Sunday school; Mr N. Okey, the choir ; Rev. Williams, South road congregation ; Mr Lewis, the Bible class; Rev. Poston, the Coast Mission. A liitle mite, Eileen McGahey, on behalf of the Sunday school scholars,, read a welcome, and presented Mrs Brooke with a pretty bouquet, Revs. Woolley (Baptist) and Osborne (Presbyterian), Captain Melksli mi (Salvation Army), and Mr \V. Ambury, for the citizens of New Plymouth, also made welcome speeches. The choir contributed anthems, and hymns were sung. Rev. Brooke said he was very pleased with the welcome extended to Uim from his congregation, from the ministers of sUter churches, and the Ar.ny. The iininiiuity in the work was gratifying. Jft had noticed this wherever he had been stationed. He considered such a welcome as this would spur him on in his work, although lie was ever energetic—he was birn full of energy -and could not h-lp throwing his whole soul into his ministration. He said he was deeply appreciative of the honour conferred on him when appointed President of the Conference, and that lie had a slront' attachment for the Methodist Church, which lm.l .absorbed the best energies sf his life. The Doxology was sung, and the Benediction closed the proceedings.