BAPTIST CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 207, 29 February 1912, Page 7

BAPTIST CHURCH.

WELCOME TO REV. FRANK HALES. The Baptist Church was crowded on Tuesday evening, the occasion being the welcome social tendered to Rev. irank Hales on his entering upon the pastorate. Mr W. T. Coad occupied thi& chair, ana in a brief speech assured the new minister of the united and loyal support of Ms people The Revs. Kellow, Cannell, Drew, Roseveare and- Lidddl were present and apologies and expressions of goodwill were received from Revs. Burton, Lewis and Sharp, who were unable to be present. After devotional exercises Mr G. H. Maunder spoke on behalf of tlie church and congregation, and Mr H. Goodacre on behalf of the deacons and officers. Mr Ambury, in speaking on behalf of the Sunday School, made an eloquent speech emphasizing the far-reach-ins importance of shaping aright the young life of the community. He appealed for the support and co-operation of the parents, whose greatest joy would be to see their children develop true nobility of character. Mr N-. T. Maunder spoke on behalf of Westown, and Rev. W. Drew, as the first pastor of the church, voiced his hearty welcome to Mr Hales, and his congratulations to tlie cliurch on securing a minister of sucli known ability and established reputation. Rev. Liddell spoke on behalf of the Minister's Association, and assured Mr Hales of the very happy and fraternal relationship existing amongst the free churches of the community, and of tne welcome that awaited him by his fellow ministers. Kindly expressions of welcome were also made by all the speakers to Mrs Hales and family, who were present. Mr Hales, in rising to reply thanked all who had so cordially assured hun ot their welcome; and their co-operation in his ministry. He expressed Ins desire to be of service to the church, to the individual, and to the , community. _ *or many years he had taken a special delight in work amongst the young people, and would do his utmost here also to get into sympathetic touch with the young life of the church and town. He neither claimed perfection for himself, nor expected it from his people. Wlien a man or woman reached that state, tn.s earth was too small for them and they were translated to another sphere. He did however, ask that his people would co-operate-, and do so by living out in dailv conduct the teachings of then Master. If their lives were marked by purity, and their relations with each other bv peace, they might rest assured that powier for effective Christian sei•vice would bo theirs. _ Vocal solos were given during the eve-, ning by Miss Stuart and Mr A. Ambury. After a pleasant interval for refreshments and friendly the mieetmg terminated with Blest be the tie that binds," and the benediction pronounced by Rev. Kellow. ,