Presentation to the Rev. Vicesimus Lush.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4023, 19 November 1881, Page 2

Presentation to the Rev. Vicesimus Lush.

Many members of tlie congregation of St. George's Church, together with a large number of the late incumbent's friends met at that edifice last night for purpose of presenting their respected and revered pastor with a suitable and subsubstantial testimonial, as a slight token of the great estimation put upon his services during his spiritual leadership.

The Rev. Mr Tebb's, of Auckland, was voted to the Chair on the motion of Mr Airey. After a few remarks from the reverend gentleman eiilogisiDg the object of the meeting, he called upon Mr lizard to make the presentation.

Mr Tizard, in making the presentation, said that he regretted deeply the fact that the Eev. Mr Lush was about to sever his connection with the Church, in which he had so long carried on the ministrations in such an able manner. With the departure of Mr Lush the pubiic would lose a gentleman whose experience was most extensive. The congregation might obtain a more eloquent exponent of the Gospel, and a younger minister, but they would lose the benefit of both Mr Lush and his much respected family. Mr Lush would have wished to avoid this presentation, but this the congregation would not permit. Mr Tizard then proceeded to read a list of the subscribers, and said it was a most pleasing duty to present the result to Mr Lush.

Captain Wildman also, spoke to the general feeling of regret expressed at the departure of Mr Lush. That gentleman had been one of his most intimate friends, and the severance of ties extending over 13 years, was a subject for general sympathy and sorrow. The Eev V. Lush, in a neat speech, thanked the gentlemen who had given him such a handsome testimonial. He said there had been many shortcomings and failings in his ministration, but he looked to the Eternal Father for pardon and forgiveness. Thfl kind present he had just received would make him more diligent and painstaking. Since he had.been .here he had officiated at 2000 baptisms, 1075 burials, and nearly 1000 marriages. Before parting from his friends he would say that he had received many anonymous letters, but he had always torn them up. He hoped Mr Calder would be spared this annoyance, and that he would pursue the same course in regard to them. He accepted the present, in the same spirit in which it was made, and thanked them in the name of his wife and daughters. The usual courtesy was extended to the Rev Mr Tebbs for presiding, and the meeting separated.