VICAR OF ST. MARY'S.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1917, Page 5

VICAR OF ST. MARY'S.

WELCOME BY PARISHIONERS Rev. F. G. Harvie, who succeeds tke fiev. A. H. Colvilc as vicar of St. Mary's, New Plymouth, was given a very heaity welcome" at a social gathering at St. Mary's Hall lost night. The hall, which was very tastefully decorated, was crowded. Mr S. W. Sluw, clergyman's ' church warden, in the absence of tho parishioners' warden, presided. There were also present: Vcn. Archdeacon P. •J. Evan, Revs. 11. A. Favell, vicar of Henui; C. H. (irant-Cowern, vicar of llawcra; and 10. L. Harvie, vicar of liy,'lewood. Apologies were received for the absence of Revs. Howard (Stratford) and Harrison (Waitara), and. Mr and Mrs W. H. Skinner, former parishioners. A telegram of congratulation was also received from Rev. Dr. O'CaUa* f;lian. , . ■Air S. W. Shaw, in welcoming Rev. and I Mrs Harvie to, the parish, expressed the liope that they would remain here for many years. Rev. Harvie had come to ai church rich in associations. Naturally, parishioners believed it was the finest and most historic in the Dominion. Some grand men had ministered there, vS, the Rev.'William Bollahd and the late Archdeacon Govett who had left behind them imperishable memories that would serve as an inspiration to the new vicar," Some of the original parishioners of New Plymouth were still among them. The speaker himself had been connected wita tiie vestry for nearly 30 years, and hi I (bought- it was mainly their influence that helped to draw parishioners asa ■' .' church together. He urged parishioners ' to give the new vicar the same loyal support they had given his predecessors. Mr 0. E. Baker, a member of the vestry, also welcomed the vicar. ' Archdeacon Evans, who had known Rev. Harvie since his arrival in New Zealand, also extended to Mrs Harvia and the vicar a cordial welcome on be« half of the clergy of Taranaki. tflee $• the church and people of St. Mary's were, drawbacks must be expected occasionally. He gave some interesting and humorous rcminiscencesy Anally referring to many of the beautiful services that had been held in the church. Rev. E. L. Harvje (lugjewood) also spoke on behalf of the neighbouring.; parish. Kev. C. H. Grant-Cowcrn, on behalf of a neighboring parish and diocese, ajso tendered a welcome. He considered In IMs case Wellington's loss was certainly. to the advantage of the- Aneklajd dlo-, ccsc If a separate Taranaki diocese, was • to he formed, as looked possible, all' looked to New Plymouth as one of its most hjoportaut centres. A voice: The most important. "' Mr firant-Cowoni: not say> ' that, but I no doubt would were I a local resident. St. Mary's church aadi parish, he continued, had exerted its ta/i lluenco far and wide all over Taf&ty4fM and New Plymouth to be congrsjtu-; 'latcd on having chosen one fitted to, follow on those \y.ho Jiajj given tto best! of their lives to the Church. ! After supper, the Rev. Harvie thanked, the parishioner* for their warm wilcomo, which was the more acceptable, seeing that he had practically dome ■ amongst strangers. He had come pre-' ' paved to do his best in a parish whiohi he recognised had deep traditions, ami when He was nominated as its vicar, he , had counted it- as perhaps the greatest i possible privilege. He realised the deep, responsibility attached to a parish of 1 this size ami importance, and if he made any mistake-, lie felt assured he would have their sympathy and support. He jalso thanked the vestry tor the warmth \ of thair welcome when 'he arrived hera a fortnigth ego. On behalf of Mrs Harvie, he thanked, (he ladies of the guild I for various kindnesses. He also stated that Mrs Harvie, while willing to as e ist In the work of the parish as far as possible, had her home duties as the mother of three boys to attend to, which would .naturally take precedence. During the evening a muical programme was rendered, adding gi'jatlv to the c\cniiig'>>, onjn\mrn(. P'nnofcv.i selections were reirrred by Mus !*.•• . thaiu. nnd songs by Miss Peart 12) MCWi v. v —Jt..' . . V33SSH