Congregational Church.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4381, 18 January 1883, Page 2

Congregational Church.

PRESENTATION.

At the conclusion of the. service in the Congregational Church, Mary street, last evening, an event of a very pleasing nature to jk place. The Eev. B. LaisMey, who has been ministering to the spiritual wants of the Mary street congregation for the past eight years, having deter* mined to pay (.visit to the Home country, some of the members of the Church resolved that his parting should not be unmarked by some sign of their regard

for him. and appreciation of his efforts during his residence among them. Therefore, it was decided to make a presentation to the rev. gentleman of an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns. Mr R. Hudson, on behalf of the congregation, feelingly referred to the very friendly relations existing between the clergyman and his flock, and expressed the hope that Mr Laishley would benefit by his trip and return to them invigorated, to renew his good work amongst them. He then made the presentation. The address, 'which was beautifully illuminated^ was the work of Mr Patterson ; it was very neatly j framed in mottled kauri, and contained; the..following:— - -, ...■-..-,.-,.,......,.., ■■„. .-- I To the Rev. R. Lushm:?, Pastor of the j Congregational Ohurob, Thames, New Zea- j land.—Eev. and Dear Sir,—The Church and congregation assembling in the above place of worship feel themselves called upon, by the resignation of your pastorate over them foe a period of eight years past, to testify their de«p sense of the loss they are about, to sustain, Rnd to take some means of placing on | record the high estimation they entertain of your private and ministerial character, among them during the above period. They are devoutly thankful to Gfod for what has been wrought through your instrumentality, and desire to tak3 this means of stating their most earnest conviction fcliafc, as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, your record is on high ; and that the Great Husbandman: Himself will one day testify to your earnest, loving, add disinterested labours in this part of His vineyard. It cannot be that the Word of Life so faithfully proclaimed by you shall fall t) (he ground :of this we are well assured, that it cannot die ; and the prayers of many shall continue to be, that, though absent from us in the flesh, the Spirit which quickeneth may remain, and yet very extensively work in many hearts through the life-giving words you have addressed to them ; and who shall" at last be your crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. That Q-od in His" good Providence will continue to watch over you t>nd your dear partner in life during the remainder of your earthly course, and finally receive you to His eternal mansions on high, are, and will be, rev. and dear sir, the most sincere and affectionate prayers of your loving frieods, the Church and congregation.—Signed, on their behalf, by the Deacons and Secretary of Mary street Congregational Church, Thames, — Richabd Hodson, Wm. F. Dauby, John Htjdsok, Deacons; Albebt FJJLZ JAMES, Secretary.— Thames, 4th December, 1882.

: In thanking the congregation for their present, Mr Laishley said he had no idea until that afternoon of their intention to make him a presentation He valued it highly, and, it would be banded down to his children., He hoped that this event would encourage his revd. successor to persevere in the good work, as it would show him that efferts made to 'do the people good were recognised' and appreciated by them. „. He trusted on his return to find their numbers ■ increased, and he prayed that God might extend His blessing to them allg-V Prayer wound up the meeting. , - .