PRESENTATION TO THE REV. E. H. GRAINGER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 258, 9 January 1873, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. E. H. GRAINGER.

At 3.30 o'clock p.m. on December 30tb, a number of the parishioners of All Saints' Church, and frienda of the Rev. E. H. Grainger, assembled at St. George's Hall to witness the presentation of a purse of sovereigns -to;thatgentleman. The company included a large number of ladies, and, amongst those present, we noticed tbe Re\ a. Dr. Stuart, E. G. Edward>, T. L. Stanley, while, on the platform, were the Bishop of Dunedin (who presided), hig Honor Jndga Chapman, Messrs J. Macassey, DA. Haggett, Hodgkins, &c. His Lordship, in opening the proceedings, observed that the occasion, was one which was to be regarded as niuch with regret as with pleasure. It wasra pleasure* for him at all times to preside over- a body of persons anxious to testify the respect in which they held one who had been resident among3t them, for -a length of time — especially one who had resided amongst them in the character Mr Grainger had occupied, viz., one of the resident clergy. He felt Mr Grainger would be deeply missed by many present in that room ; and for himself (the Bishop) he had to say that, short as had been his acquaintance with him, it was great regret he felt that in the commencement of his personal intercourse with them, that the tie which had been formed, though of short duration, was about to be severed. He was sure Mr Grainger would carry with him the respect and appreciation of a great many amongst whom he had labored so long, as he regarded that afternoon's proceeding as the evidence of tbe deep-rooted feelings towards him which prevailed in many hearts. While, as he before stated, he regretted th^y were about to lose Mr Grainger ; at the same time the occasion was a pleasure, for it was an evident token aud witness that his residence amongst them had been such to call forth their regard. He had the greatest pleasure in that aspect in presiding, and concluded by calling on Mr Justice Chapman, who made the presentation, and in doing so, said he had been deputed by the subscribers to the very small testimonial to Mr Grainger to present it. It consisted of one hundred guineas, or rather of LI 10 5.i, the exact sum he believed. It was originally proposed by some of the members of All faints' congregation, but he had much, satisfaction in informing Mr Grainger that the contributions had not been confined to that congregation, because many who habitually attended St Paul's insisted, he might say, in contributing to the fund, which was intended to testify their respect to Mr Grainger. All present were no doubt aware that it was to Mr Grainger's exertions that the present state of All Saints was due. It was erected at an expense,- including additions and repairs, of overLlßoo, and for a very considerable period the church was always in debt ; but through JVJp Grainger's exertions it was not' only got out of debt, but there was, to use a mercantile phrase, one hundred guineas to the good. After referring to Mr Grainyer's successful pastorate, and the activity disElayed by him in the performance of is duties, His Honor concluded by expressing his wishes for Mr Grainger's and his^famjlyVfutiiije health, and happiness, and expreSßecf hid hope to se? him at a future time back teethe field which he had honored and In which he had labored with so much advantage. Mr Haggitt then presented the following address. To the Eev. E. H. Grainger, M.A., Curate of All Saints' Church, Dunedin, Otago. — Dear Sir, — "We, the Churchwardens and Vestry, on behalf of the parishioners of All Saints' Church, desire to express our sincere regret at your approaching departure from amongst us. During your residence in Otago, now exceeding a period of eight years, you have always evinced an earnest desire to aid in every work having for its object the well-being of your parishioners and the advancement of the Church. It was chiefly through your.exertions that All Saints' Church was, in the first instance, built, and when you consider that, at the time of its completion in its present state, the church was deeply in debt, it cannot but be a source of deep gratification to you, as it is to the parishipners, to feel that it is in a great measure owing to your persevering energy that the church is now, not only free from debt, but in possession of a "balance to the good." We trust that the blessing of God will attend your labors in the ministry in whatever part of the world you may choose for yourf uture sphereof action. — (Signed by the Churchwardens and Vestrymen.) The Rev. E. H. Grainger, who seemed much affected, said he had to thank his Lordship for the kind expression of good feeling manifested. He regretted leaving the diocese, but he was simply discharging an imperative duty. When he arrived hero his intention was simply to remain not longer than five years, but instead of that he had sojourned eight years and a ha'.f. His identification with All Saints' parish would always be a source of happiness to him. He had received many courtesies and valuable assistance from the residents, in the discharge of his ministerial duties, bat particularly from his Bonor Mr Justice Chapman and lady. The advice, counsel, and support the former had given were valuable. There were other ladies in the parish, who had assisted in advancing the interests of the congregation, to whom he was indebted for the general prosperity. In a country like this, where church work was supported by 'voluntary contributions, the services of such were invaluable. He then alluded to the spirit of unanimity and zeal that prevailed among the church-wardens and vestry-men, and the ready help they had always afforded him in tbe discbarge ef his duties. Originally he studied for the legal profession, but a change of mind brought a change of desire, and consequently he devoted himself to the ministry. He did so as a duty, and he had no cause to regret it. His 'experience in Dunedin had been pleasant and profitable, while in his intercourse with his brethren in the ministry he had cause for rejoicing. He had not words to express the mingled feelings of regret and pleasure which possessed him — regret at parting with so many dear friends, but pleasure at the expression of esteem manifested. In conclusion, he hoped that the donors of the testimonial would not object to his devoting at least a portion of it to the use of tbe parish. His Lordship said it was a matter of regret that the Jtiev. Mr Stanford had not been present, for it was a fitting time to introduce him as Mr Grainger's successor. It would be a source of gratification to Mr Grainger to know that his late parish would be taken charge of by a gentleman noted for energy and zeal in the cause of religion. He fully sympathised with Mr Grainger in the painful feelings occasioned by present circumstances. It was not long since he passed through the ordeal of breaking ties, of long-stand*

ing, and after having travelled half the globe, he still felt regret afthat parting. With the aid, however, of the modern appliances of civilisation, Mr Grainger would have the comfort of frequently hearing of the prosperity of his old charge. l^is Lordship then expressed a hope that" Mr Grainger would return to labor in the diocese, and the plf ::<nre it would afford, not only him, but many, of hers, to welcome him. The benediction was then pronounced, and the projeedings terminated.