VALEDICTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 272, 7 April 1911, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. G. CHAP-MAN. Whiteley Hall, which had been tastefully decorated by the ladies, wab crowded last night with members and friends who had assembled to bid farewell to the Rev. J. G. Chapman, who has been removed to Wellington after two years' successful ministry in New Plymouth at the Whiteley Memorial Methodist Church. Apologies were received from Messrs. M. Eraser and C. Ahier. Mr. J. Gibson, circuit steward, presided. After the opening hymn and devotional services, the chairman referred to the strenuous time that he as the representative had had at the conference, and especially with the stationing committee, in his endeavors to have the Rev. Chapman retained at New Plymouth. The rev. gentleman's own personality, however, was the greatest stumbling block to his being retained here. The most difficult appointment that the conference had to fill was Taranaki street, Wellington. Hence the conference laid its hand on the man most likely to lift that circuit out of its present difficulty. Mr. V. Griffiths, treasurer of the Trust, in a happy speech, based his remarks upon the Rev. Chapman's initials "J.G.C.," which, he considered, stood for "Judgment, Grace and Courage," all oi which had Characterised Mr. Chapman's ministry, here. . Mr. M. Rudd ioiced tire regret of the choir at the Rev. Chapman's removal. Mr. C. Carter made reference to the ministry in connection with the New Plymouth church for the past 25 years, and instanced that out of the nine min isters appointed five had been presidents of the conference, three editors of the connexional papers, and two had been removed from here to take up connexional appointments, viz., the organisation of the Century Fund by the Rev. C. H. Garland, and the Home Mission Secretaryship for the Dominion by the Rev. T. G. Brooke. He further stated that with the exception of Mr. Chapman, each minister had served the ordinary term. The Rev. Chapman's ministry had proved a solution in bridging the gap between the Sunday School and the church, resulting in regular attendance at divine service of very many young men and young women. Mr. Boon, on behalf of the congregation, expressed regret at Mr. Chapman's removal, and the Rev. F. P. Kellow, on behalf of the South road and country stations, re-echoed these sentiments. The Rev. J. G. Chapman stated that all the speakers had been very kind to his faults and blemishes, and had magnified any little good points. He was glad to know that his preaching had borne fruit, because he had alwyas taught them to look for the good in hunroanity. On behalf of his family and'himself he thanked them all for their kindly remarks. He very much regretted leaving New Plymouth. Conference, however, in its had decided to remove him, despite all that he and Mr. Gibson had done to prevent it. He felt quite down-hearted at leaving, • and especially at undertaking such a circuit as Taranaki street. Still, therefrain of a few verses that he heard a (minister use in the course of a sermon at conference 'Keep a-going' had cheered him, and he had kept a-going, and intended to do so. He knew that his ministry had not pleased everyone. He did not expect it would, aa he did not preach to please men but to please God. He preached regardless of anyone. He had a message to deliver to the 20th century, and he preached according to his convictions, and would always continue to do so. He was grateful to have been able to do some little good in the circuit, as he had honestly and sincerely endeavored to do his duty. Had he been permitted to remain here five years he felt that the Trust debt would have disappeared and the church have possessed a new organ. He had .not left a legacy in the shape of a debt new minister, but the circuit fund was in credit £4l. If his going to Wellington was not of divine ordering then "woe is me." He, however, hoped to see Taranaki Street Church flourish as in former years. In conclusion, he thanked the officials for their hearty co-operation, the choir for their beautiful praise service, which had been so helpful, and also the congregation. During the evening, a musical programme was rendered, consisting of a pianoforte solo by Miss A. Venle, vocal solos by Miss Harre, Messrs. Rudd and Hooker; duet by the Misses Buckman; an da recitation by Mrs. H. Lewis. Miss Douglas presided at the piano. Prior to the close the young ladies of the Whiteley congregation handed round a bountiful supper. t