WHITELEY CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1919, Page 5

WHITELEY CHURCH.

WELCOME TO NEW MINISTER. A very enjoyable social gathering wa9 held in Whiteley Hall last night, for the purpose of welcoming the Rev. J. Napier Milne and his wife and family, who hav come to New Plymouth. Mr. Milne has recently arrived from England, and New Plymouth is his first appointment in New Zealand.

Mr. W. Ambury, circuit steward, presided, and in a few words expressed the general feeling of satisfaction in the church at the settlement of Mr Milne in New Plymouth, and assured him of the support and co-operation of the members of the different congregations in the circuit.

Other addresses were given by representatives of the various branches of the church's organisation, by the Rev, H. L. .Richards (Fitzroy. as Mr. Milne's colleague, and by the Rev. 0. Blundell (Presbyterian), on behalf of the Ministers' Association. The latter spoke of the prospects of the union of the evangelical churches, and his own conviction that the consummation of that event would be seen in the near future.

The Eev Mr. Milne, who was very cordially received, said he had been overcome by the warmth of the welcome accorded him and his family. While they had come a long way from their own home, he felt certain they were not distant from kindness and cordiality, and brotlierliness. They were finding many tilings different from what they had b«ien aceustomed to, but they would adapt themselves to the new conditions, and be happy. He acknowledged the;words of welcome, and specially referred to the presence of the representative of the great Presbyterian Church, ar)d hoped the day not far distant when the! Methodists would be joined in union with that church. He hoped the people would not hesitate to speak to him when they met him, even if he did not recognise them. He was a plain, homely man, with a capacity for love, and a'desire for it. He looked forward to the work in New Plymouth with great hope. His conviction was that the day of Christianity was only beginning. His message of the Cross, and for its deliverance he asked the prayerful support of the whole congregation.

During the evening a number of muai eal items were interspersed with the addresses, and supper provided by the ladies brought a pleasant gathering to a conclusion.