RECEPTION TO THE REV. D. J. MURRAY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8133, 7 May 1906, Page 7

RECEPTION TO THE REV. D. J. MURRAY.

The old Weßleyan Ohuroh at JMornington was orowded on Thursday evening, says the Dunedin Star, by adherents to accord a welcome to the Rev. D. J. Murray, who has returned to the scene of past labours -after an absence of many years. Mr C. J. Payne (senior circuit steward) occupied the chair, Among those present was Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.E. The Chairman said, as representing the congregation, be extended a hearty welcome to Mr Murray. Most of them had known him previously, and tbey had all been pleased when they heard be was ooming back. Their new minister was an ex-presi- * dent of the Conference and the character of the farewell > meetings at Masterton—where Mr Murray had reoently been labouringshowed positive proof that he was a broad-minded man. JMr Murray, in responding, said that he would be wanting in feohpga of humanity and Christianity if he did not feel grateful for their cordial welcome. While minister of the church over 20 years ago he had known the young peop'e intimately, .and most of them had now become heads of families. He himself had biought bia bride to Mornington. Looking round, he found that many of the "old brigade" had gone. He would say to them, now that he had been fully inducted: "The old captain is on the bridge again, and his orders are 'Pull speed ahead." No ' idle talk or scandal, plenty of prayer, united faith, and °teady work. There were two complaints he had to make of Methodist practice —he disliked the itinerary; he was tired of shifting. The itinerary and the frequent evening meetings ministers were called upon to attend was x partly the uause of the want of sympathy he felt between a minister and the workers. He wanted to visit the homes in the evenings, when be could meet the husbands as well as the wives so that there might bp an interchange of thought. During the evening a short musical programme was given.