THE METHODIST CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 76, 26 April 1909, Page 3

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

NEW MINISTERS WELCOMED. . A largely attended gathering at tiie Whiteley Hall 071 Friday night welcomed Rev, J, G. Chapman, the new superintendent minister, ant .Mrs. Chapman and family; the Rev. Mr. Kellow and Mrs. lvcllow. The proceedings commenced with a tea. At the subsequent meeting' •Mr. J. Gibson, junior circuit steward", presided. All apology was received from -Mr. .1. Boon, senior circuit steward, who is absent from the district. The chairman welcomed the guests 011 behalf of the congregation. Me appealed |to the friends to rally round the new arrivals. They had come to the circuit at a real good time, when the members were more united than thev had been for some yearn. He had been greatlv encouraged, particularly during the last lew weeks, to see how the people were showing a desire to pull together. They had been under a financial cloud for some time past, and he was gratified to be able to inform the new ministers that this was gradually passing away and that they were beginning to see the light.

Mr. J. -Vlht extended a welcome to the .lew ministers 011 behalf of the local preachers.

Jliss dweii Blanehett, one of the tiny tots of the infant school, in a pretty little speech, welcomed tile guests and afterwards presented Mrs. Chapman with a handsome bouquet. Mr. V. Griffiths, on behalf of the Trustees, Mr. Percy White, on behalf of the young men, Mr. C. Carter, for the Sunday School, and the Kev. \V. Drew, for the Ministers' Association, delivered short addresses of welcome. . ev ' Mr. Kellow, in response, said It was not the kind things that had been said that pleased him most, but rather that undertone of varnestness winch made him particularly hopeful for the future.

The Rev. Mr. Chapman, replying, said that little did he think when standing on the platform some four or five months ago, and when, in a playful mood, ne j made some remarks about coming to , New Plymouth, they would bp realised so soon. With regard to the future, lie had no policy to put before them; he did not know the circuit. He would, however, do his best to maintain the : high standard reached by his predews-: sors. They would find him evangelical, and they would lind him practical. He did not beat about the bush, and he called a spade a spade. So far as visiting was concerned, lie hoped to visit them all, but he would give his time fSVst to the sick and the aged, and then whatever time he got after this he would visit them. He addressed a few remarks to the young people, and appealed to them to look upon him as their friend. Whatever was of interest to them would n?ver be a matter of indifference to him.

During the evening songs were rendered by the Misses Bucknuin, Blanehett, and 'Ambury, and Mr. 11. Lee; and instrumental items by Messrs. Lawn. Benbow, and (Jrewes.