KNOX CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8386, 21 March 1907, Page 6

KNOX CHURCH.

PRESENTATION TO MR E. FEIST. A pleasant function took place in the Knox Church Sunday School, last evening, when the members of the Church congregation tendered a complimentary social to Mr E. Feist, who will leave for a holiday trip to England on Friday. The chair was occupied by the Rev. A. ■T. Thompson, and there was a large attendance. The Chairman, in making a presentation to Mr Feist on behalf of the members and friends of the Church, said that they had met that evening to do honour not only to one who was a valuable public man, but also a conspicuous and honoured pillar of the Church. It gave him great pleasure to be in the position he was that evening. Mr Feist had always taken a prominent interest .in public affairs, and was a member of many public bodies. He was very pleased to see men of Mr Feist's calibre and convictions taking part in civic matters, and the country could well do with more such men. "It was a good thing to see men of the ..religious convictions of Mr Feist going into public life," said Mr Thompson, "as that was one of the greatest links between Church and State." Mr Feist had been connected with the Church since its inception in Masterton. He had held various offices and had been a prominent lay-reader. The speaker said he would miss Mr Feist, and he had no doubt that the, congregation felt likewise. He had'much pleasure in asking Mr Feist to accept, on behalf of the members and friends of the Church, a sovereign case, handsome secretaire, a pair of silver -mounted brushes, suitably inscribed, and a greenstone pendant. In conclusion, he wished Mr Feist a pleasant journey and a safe return.

Mr D. Finlayson said he had known Mr Feist for the past twenty years, and he had always found him a thorough gentleman. He had been of valuable assistance in church matters, and had the respect of all. Mr G. Heron said that Mr Feist had seen all the trials and troubles of the Presbyterian Church in Masterton, and he had lived to see the Church overcome them all, and be in the proud position it held to-day. That position was clue in a great measure to Mr Feist's untiring efforts. He wished Mr Feist an enjoyable sojourn in the Old Country. Mr W. H. Jackson said he knew of.no man who had done more to further the interests of every publi: body with which he was connected in the town than Mr Feist. The speaker had been acquainted with Mr Feist for over twenty years, and he was proud of the acquaintance. He referred to Mr Feist's services as Chairman of the School Committee, a member of the Education Board, and a Manager of the Masterton Technical School. On each of these bodies Mr Fei'st had an intimate acquaintance with the various requirements, and he' always gave his most careful attention to the business with which he was connected. Mr Feist had • never known the art of "wire-pulling;" that is, .he had never been known to use his position on any body for his own benefit. He extended to Mr Feist good wishes for a pleasant, trip. Mr D. McGregor referred to Mr Feist's untiring efforts in Church matters in the early days. He knew Mr Feist forty-two years ago, and he could speak feelingly on Mr Feist's energy in advancing the Church as well as civic matters. He hoped that when Mr Feist returned he would continue to do good work. Mr M. McGregor, of Hikurangi, also spoke, testifying to Mr Feist's abilities in Church matters.

Mr Feist,. in reply, said he hoped to come back again, after his holiday, and take a further interest in public affairs. J"e briefly" traced his projected movements during his holiday. He thanked the congregation for their handsome presents, which he was sure would remind him of his friends in Masterton while he was away. During the evening the following songs were rendered:—"Off to Philadelphia," Mr R. J. Young; "Love ■the Pedlar," Miss Bennington; "Life's Lullaby," Miss J. McGregor; "Anchored," Mr Gray; "Annie Laurie," Miss F. Elkins; "The Deathless Army," Mr C. Ibbetson; "Will ye no' come back again," Messrs Gray, R. J. Young, D. McGregor, Rev. Thompson and Miss J. McGregor. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. The gathering was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Three were then given for Mr and Miss Feist.