METHODIST CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1917, Page 8

METHODIST CHURCH.

WFXCOMK TO REVS. W. .4. SINCLAIR AXD H. 1,. RICHARDS. There was a large attendance at the Whiteley Hall Inst evening, the ocea- )...!«'» one to welcome the Kcv. \V. A. Sinclair, president of the Methodist >y::cii, who succeeds tlio Rov. A. P.. Ch.ippell, and Kcv. H. L. Richards, who succeeds the Rev. C. H. Olds. Mr. V. (-IrilTiths (chairman) opened the proceedin,?!, and. on behalf of the congregation welcomed the reverend gentlemen. Mr. C. l'l. Bellringer. circuit steward, said he was sure all would work with their hoafts to forward the interest's of the church. >i.- Whiteley Church had had a splendid past, and lie was sure Ihey would he able to carry 011 for all that was high and good, under the spiritual guidance of the millinters they were welcoming that evening. Adjutant Ho*]uist (Salvation Array i also welcomed the reverend geiiue-.nen. Re was sure they would find tho people of Xew Plymouth sympathetic , with their work. He wished both of them a happy and successful period in their church labors. His Worship the Mayor said he was pleased to welcome the new ministers that ovening. He hoped they would slay with them and continue the good work of those previously associated with the church.' He understood that they took a big part in patriotic work. There was need for it in that'direction, seeing that they had sent away 00,000 men, and more were leaving. There was a lot of work for them in this direction. He sincerely trusted their stay would be. a pleasant one, and of benefit to all. Ho apologised for the absence of the Mayoress. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair said he was heartily pleased to see such a large attendance. He welcomed the kind words of his Worship the Mayor. Ho lmd laken his share in patriotic works, and 110 would do all he could in that direction whilst here. He recognised it hi* duty to do what he could. He felt that lie. would like to take off his hat and held out his hand to the brave men who had gone to the front, and who wert •thus protecting our lives and homes. He welcomed, the presence of the Salvation Army. He was net a narrowminded man, and appreciated the work done by the Salvation Army. Regarding his comrade, the Rc.v. H. L. Richards, lie was sure that when they came to know him they would find him a very fine man. He was satisfied that they would secure the hearty co-operation of nil Ihe congregation. He- had had twentysi;.' years in the ministry, part of which had been spent in Dunedin and Christehurcli. It was a deliberate choice 011 his part coining hers, and he had pledged himself to <lo his' best. To push the church interests along they must realise that the ministers, superintendent* and other 'officials requrri-a a little en pouragement. Looking round at the work that hftd been done, and what required doing, he was sure they could carry on, and at the end of twelve months show r.onio results of the machinery of the church. They should draw up a programme to interest all for the winter month'. He wanted all to think he v.ns their friend, and that they would be friendly to him. He hoped to obtain the support of the young peopled For three years or uioro he hoped to work with them, and hoped that his labors would be pleasant to him and beneficial to the congregation. Ho concluded' by thanking them very heartily fcr their welcome. (Applause). The Rev. Vf. L. Richards thanked a.. for their generous welcome. He knew the wolcome came from^ thoSc heart 3. His congregations in the past had not been large, and facing a large, congregation that evening made him . feel slightly embarrassed, but this uid not detract from his feeling of pleasure. His programme was to work as hard as he possibly could. He dared not neglect anything. He had , come to toil, and they would not And him a shirker. A united co-operation would get the results. It was 'their work as well as his. He wanted the efforts of his assistants to push on the church. He ' thanked all heartily for their good wishes, anil concluded by trusting that his stay would be pleasurable and beneficial to all. During the evening songs were' contributed by Misses White and Mclsaaes, Messrs W. Okey and F. Hooker, piano solo and duets by Mrs Skelton and Misses Douglas and Blanehett, and several items bv the choir. , The prizes for the best decorated supper tables were won by Misses E. Murphy, 51. Ilealey, Traccy, Carter and Kdith. All apology for absence was tendered 011 behalf of the Rev. Mr. Hinton (Waitan).