The Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1883.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1050, 2 January 1883, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1883.

It is with feelings of very deep regret we learn that the Rev J. ChaffersWelsh has severed his connection with Temuka. We are confident that this feeling is shared by every man, woman and child in this district. He came as near our ideal of the truly devoted minister of the gospel as any, we , have met. His mind was not narrowed by any sectarian views ; he was sincere in his own church, but liberal and, kindlydisposed towards members of other denominations, and always most willing to assist them in every. way he could. Mr Welsh said atamoncert held in Terauka some time ago that during his time in thie : district he. had always been well treated, and received most kindly wherever he'went by members of other denominations than his own. Unless Mr, Welsh gets amongst very strange people he can rest assured of. being, .well received wherever he goes, because his own gentle, kind, and generous disposition cannot tail to win for him the esteem and regard of those with whom he comes in contact. We have on a previous occasion, expressed our admiration of the friendly feeling which existed between ministers in this district. While clergymen are flinging anathemas at each other’s heads in other places, they meet on the same platform, and sometimes on tlmsame altar, in Temuka, and never tire of speaking of each other in the kindliest and beat disposed manner. The friendship which exists between ministers ol religion in Ibis district is evidence of their true sincerity, and we do not think that any one will deny that Mr Welsh had a good deal to do with cementing them more closely together. The circumstances under which he has left Temuka adds to our respect for him, and gives further proof of his devotedness to his sacred calling. The Pleasant Point District was separated from Temuka some time ago. It is an extensive parish, parts of which are veiy remote, and as it has had hitherto to be contented with itenerant visits from the clergyman living at Terauka it is evident that it will take a good deal of labor to organise it properly, , Mr Welsh is one of those who, yearns after missionary work ; his greatest delight

p. r is to bring back stray sheep of his^flock to the fold ; he saw that Pleasant. -Pofot opened a good field for such labors, sml 'so he placed his services at the disposal of the .Bishop of the Diocese. /The Bishop, too glad to get him to organise the new parish, 'appointed him at once to the charge of Pleasant Point. In vain did,the people, of this parish, remonstrate. His Lordship was determined to send him. to Pleasant Point, and to Pleasant Point he has gone.; ,There is in this action of Mr Welsh’s evidence ■of a regardlessness for his own coralort and convenience which marks him as a man entirely devoted to his holy calling. In Tomuka he was settled in a comfortable home : he was lov.ed and respected by all who knew him]; in fact, he had everything that could induce him to stay, and yet he has left all behind him, and broken up his home, for no other reason than that ha believes there is in Pleasant Point a larger field for doing good. Who can help admiring such self-sacrificing disinterested devotion ? We cannot, and* have no hesitation in saying that Mr Welsh deserves to rank amongst the most devoted of his own church’s ministers. We wish there were a great many more ministers of religion like him, we care not to what church they belonged, and if there were we feel confident that there would bo less religous bigotry, that a kindlier feeling would exist between the various denominations, that the world would be happier and better, and that Christianity would fee the gainer by it. But polemical questions are not, in our way. The Rev J. Chaffers-Welsh is our subject, and it is one which we ; could treat at greater length. However, we think it advisable to conclude this notice now by once more expressing our regret at Mr Welsh leaving this' district, and wishing him success and haypiness in his new home. The Rev T. A. Hamilton, from the West Coast, has been appointed in the place of Mr Welsh, and is expected to arrive during the week, so as to officiate next Sunday.