Valedictory Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5060, 1 April 1885, Page 2

Valedictory Soiree.

A very successful soiree took place in the Shortland Wesleyan Church last night, the occasion being the departure of the Rev. H. Bull, who has been pastor for the Wesleyan body here during the .past three years, for Auckland, where he will take charge of tbe Pitt street church. A very large number attended, and all could not be accommodated at the first sitting. The public meeting afterwards was also crowded, Mr Ashby (School Superintend* ent) presiding, and giving a short address. Tbe Eev. J. T. Pinfold, of Coromandel, paid a tribute to Mr Bull's manner pf working, especially, in the matter of details, and expressed warm wishes for the future career of the rev. gentleman and family. Mr S. Coad testified to the good dpne by M r Bull in carrying on his theological ciass, and

The Rev. R. Laishley, in wishing Mr Bull God-speed, took occasion to include the Rev. C. E. Barley, who had just joined the Wesleyan body, and whom he felt sure would yet bn heard of as occupying an eminent position. He likewise encouraged the congregation to keep up a good heart, as he considered there was more religion proportionately on the Thames now than was the caso some ten or twelve yean back. ~ Short addresses were also giren by T. G. Reid, Wm. Hicks, Vivian, and Renshawy the latter speaker tracing the history of the Wosleyan body from the time their first meeting—an open-air one, with a beer-barrel for a pulpit—was held on the beach in Shortland. After Mr R. D. Stewart, who was ono of Mr Bull's congregation in the Waikato, had spoken a few words, Mr Hetherington (Circuit Steward) presented Mr Bull with a handsome address, expressing the church's regret that he was leaving the Thames, its esteem of the manner in which ths ministerial duties had been conducted, and its hearty wishes for thefature welfare of both Mr Bull and family. In replying, Mr Ball said his first feelinjup was ono of gratitude to God for the bless^ ings vouchsafed during his three years.' stay. He was alsogratefnl for the hearty co operation of the members, and thanked them for the address in warm terms. His. sojourn on the Thames had been a happy one, and he liked both the place and people. It was satisfactory that the debt had been paid off, credit for this being largely due to the members' liberality. The church membership also showed an increase of from 40 to 50 per cent. He spoke in favor of one central church-in-stead of two buildings as at present and believed the change (which wat now under consideration) would be accomplished during his successor's term. His relations with the other ministers of the district had been very cordial, and he asked that his congregation would remember both himself and successor in their sup« plications. . . ■ „. The Rev. C. E. Barley spoke, and after votes of thanks had been passed to the ladies and the choir, a pleasant meeting was closed by the singing of the Doxoloe? and the pronunciation of the Benediction. At intervals during the evening the following musical items were introduced!: -"The Lest Chord," Miss Kolleraon:; »J? c TJKf. the teara from «rerJ •ye?" Miss Phillips; anthem, "Lord of all power and might," choir;, " Low at thy Feet, Mrs.Jones; "Farewell,"^ Jones and Mini Phillipi, , •