Valedictory Soiree to the Rev. R. S. Bunn.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3151, 25 March 1879, Page 3

Valedictory Soiree to the Rev. R. S. Bunn.

A valedictory soiree to the Rev. R. S. Bunn, on the occasion of his departure from ttie Thames, took place at the Shortland Wesleyan Church last, evening. There was a very large number of members of both Wesleyan congregations present. Mr William Ashby, one of the circuit stewards, officiated as chairman after tea, and in a briefly inaugural address, feelingly alluded to the general regret felt at Mr Bunn's departure. The Eev. E. Laishley delivered a short address expressive of regret at Mr Bunn's departure. He referred to the pleasure he had experienced in having the friendship of that gentleman. The Eev. J. T. Hinton said the departure of the Eev. Mr Bunn reminded him 'of the cry at the time Lord Palmerston presided at the head of English affairs, when every one said, "What shall we do when Lord Palmerston dies ? " The day came, however, when that nobleman died, but there was no eruption in consequence. He was succeeded by another, and so would it be in Mr Bunn's case. The body at the Thames would not ljs£ without a minister. With reference '"to Mr Bunn, he (the speaker) could 1 only ■ay "amen" to the kind words Mr Laishley had spoken. He had several times undertaken work with the Eev. Mr Bunn, and he did not think he had ever met with a man who could so graciously yield his will when he found it was for the good pf others. He had experienced a most enjoyable season of work with the rev. gentleman, and he trusted his successor would prove himself as acceptable as Mr Buiin. -H> expressed great regret at Mr Bonn** departure, and wished him God ■peed. Bey. Mr Nixon in a short address referred to his acquaintance with Mr Bunn, which had extended over a period of over 10 years. ; < The EeTi S. J. Neill expressed regret at Mr Bunn's departure. The Eev. E. S. Bunn rose amidst loud and prolonged applause. He said he bardly knew how to address them, as they bad said so many good things about him that he was too good to speak to them. (Laughter.) He would take bis rev. friends first—his brethren in the ministry. He had always been on the best of terms with them and be could fairly say that a more hearty lot of ministers it was never his privilege to live with. On some occasions they had •poken their minds pretty plainly to each Other, but no ill-feeling had ever been

engendered, and they had always worked harmoniously together for the good of the place, and he prayed that God would pour out his richest blessings upon them. Coming to his own people, he must return his warmest thanks to the choir, between whom and himself there had always existed the utmost good feeling. A good choir was of the greatest help to a minister, and in his own case he had found it to be so. He would also like to return hie thanks to the Grahamstown choir for their past Services. The trustees were next to be thanked for their co-operation and unflagging zeal. With due respect to the other trustees, he must mention Mr J. A. Miller, who had at all times gone out of his way, often to his great personal inconvenience, ; to serve the speaker and the church. The only thing the speaker regretted was the, failure of the attempt to erect a large central church, but the fault lay with the interference of those who knew no better; and he charged the Wesleyans to see that the object was yet carried into effect. With reference to the state of the church, he might say that he had been looking over the books, and found that there -were 106 persons who had either left the Thames or the church, or were dead';. but the church was now in a better position numerically than when he came to it. He made this statement because some persons had stated that the circuit was in a state of decay. After some further remarks the rev. gentleman, bade the audience farewell. < ''■'-"' " ' Several votes of thanks were then passed, and the assemblage dispersed. During the evening the choir rendered several pieces in good style.