VALEDICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 55, 26 August 1911, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

FAREWELL TO REV. JOIIN LAIRD. The Rev. J. Laird, who is leaving next week for C'hristchurch, after a stay in New Plymouth of three yearn as pastor of the Gill street Baptist Church, was farewelled last night by the members of the congregation. The proceedings opened with a congregational tea, at which there were about 00 present. At its conclusion, a public meeting was held in the church. The edifice was well tilled with members and friends. Mr. (I. H. Maunder presided, and there were with him on the platform besides the guest ot the evening, the ltevs. H. Sharp, J. YV. Burton, F. P. Kellow and R. J. Liddell. After the opening hymn and .prayer short addresses were given by the chairman, Revs. H. Sharp, J. W. Burton, F. P. Kellow and R. J. Liddell, and by Mr. N. T. Maunder on behalf of Westown. Mr. W. Coad then presented the Rev, J. Laird with a ibeautifullly illuminated address, bound in morocco and embossed in gold. On the inside one page contained a photograph of the seven officebearers of the church, and the other contained the address, artistically illuminated, of which the following is the text "To the Rev. John Laird,— Dear Sir—lt is with sincere regret that we accept your resignation of the pastorate of this church after three years of loyal and faithful service. We assure you that we highly appreciate your Christian character and wholehearted devotion to the cause of .Jcmm Christ. You will carry with you thfl good wishes of the church and congregation, and we earnestly pray that God's richest blessing will ever accompany you in all your future life and service. On behalf of the church and congregation, N. T. Maunder, W. T. Ooad, Hal. (lodacore, A. Ambury, W. C. Ooloman, E. Hunt and Geo. H. Maunder (secretary)." In making the presentation, Mr. Coad said that the Rev. Laird had been associated with the pastorate for the past three years, and he would like him to go nway feeling that his work in the district, though haid, had not been in vniil. They could see the results of the Rev. Laird's work, not only in New Plymouth, but also in other places. He had had difficulties to face, as had not only every minister, but also every Christian worker, whether man or woman, but he had overcome them. He was now leaving for Christehurch, where he would have a greater and wider sphere of in>fluence. Although they were all sorry at his departure, and liad asked him to reconsider his resignation, yet he believed that there was a Divinity that shaped our ends, and that there was a great work for the Rev. Laird to do where he was going. In conclusion, he assured the Rev. Laird that he was leaving behind him many loyal and sincere friends.

The Rev. Laird, who was greeted with applause, thanked the various speakers for their kindly remarks, and he also thanked the congregation for the handsome address and photograph, which he would prize as a memento of the hnppv years spent in New Plymouth, which was his first charge. He could well remember deciding to come to New Zealand, a decision he had never regretted. There were five things necessary for the well-being and happiness of a minister: Firstly, that the attention of the people should be given to him when he spoke, and he could say that in New Plymouth he had never once spoken to an unresponsive congregation. Secondly: Appreciation of any services rendered by the minister. This, too, he had never lacked, having often received happy encouragement. Thirdly: The financial condition of the church. This was ofttimes a great worry to some ministers, but he had never once had to appeal for money. Fourthly: His relationship with the officers of the church. His seven office-bearers had supported him loyally. And lastly, his connection with his fellow ministers. In this he had been very happy. In regard to Ilia reasons for leaving New Plymouth, he stated that, he intended to travel and gain experience in New Zealand and Australia. He would move about and supply churches, as there were plenty of vacancies. He was going to Christchurch foT two months, but after that his movements were indefinite. He did not wear his heart on his sleeve, but did not always feel satisfied with his work in the church in New Zealand or any Christian land when there were millions- who had never heard the Gospel. He thought service on the mission fields was the noblest, and if he had to attend college again he would probably order his work so that it would be in the mission field. Wherever he settled he would endeavor to make his church a missionary church in the true sense of the word. He hoped that it would not be long before they had a new church in New Plymouth, as the present building was not equipped for effective work among the young people. He was, however, pleased to know that although the membership was under 100, the church in New Plymouth last year had given more than £IOO to their foreign missions. In conclusion, he thanked them for their support, and I said he was leaving Now Plymouth n better man than when he came, and if he had been any help to them, they hud also been a help to him.

The singing of the Doxology concluded 1 the proceedings. During the evening the following musical programme was rendered:— Anthem, choir; song, Miss floodaere;

song, Mr. A. H. Ambury; song. Miss Cocker; instrumental duet, Misses Smith and Hunt; farewell quartette (specially written), ehoir.