PRESENTATION TO REV. A. T. THOMPSON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9990, 9 March 1910, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO REV. A. T. THOMPSON.

At the Arcadia Tea Roams, last evening, the managers and members of the session of Knox Church, assembled to bid "God speed" on his projected journey, and, also, to make a small presentation to the Rev. A. T. Thompson, 8.A., 8.D., on *he eve of his marriage. j The gathering was presided over by Mr E. Feist, Session Clerk, who in a well worded speech, made special reference to the good work that Mr Thompson had done to enhance the Church's welfare since his arrival in Masterton some three and a half years ago. It was through the same gentleman's energy and tact that they had an assistant for the outfield?, in Mr C. J. Tocker, and the large pipe-organ recently erected, was also largely due to Mr Thompson's enthusiasm. Mr Thompson had carried out his duties in Masterton in an admirable manner, and it was to show appreciation of this that the managers and members of tne Session had met together. Mr Feist welcomed the Rev. Mr McDonald, who is to take Mr Thompson's place during his absence from Masterton The same speaker also made eulo-. gistic reference to Mr Thompson's capabilities as a Minister, and on behalf of the session members and church managers, handed to Mr Thompson a solid silver tray, suitably inscribed, and a case, containing a handsome solid silver sugar and cream set. In making the presentation Mr Feist wished Mr Thompson and his future wife every success in life, and also "God speed," and safe return from their trip. Mr D. McGregor, sen., in a most humourouu speech, detailed some of the early history of the present Knox Church, and gave examples of the splendid progress it had made during the past years. It was indeed gratifying to hear all over the district the coroplime'ntary remarko passed on the splendid work their pastor bad done. Mr H. T. Wood made a few remarks as to the many sterling qualities of Mr Thompson, and Mr K. J. Young added further testimony to the former speakers' brief but cogent speech. Mr J. McGregor, senr.,. made a congratulatory speech to Mr Thompson, of a humourous nature. Replying, the Rev. Thompson thanked the session members and church managers for the handsome gifts, and also for the expressions of kindness and goodwill that had been expressed towards him. He had. in his mind some new ideas, which, on his return to Masterton, he hoped to put into practice. Referring further to the many kindly wishes of which ha had been the recipient, Mr Thompson said that there was one thing that he had specially appreciated, and that was a visit from the Rev. Dean McKenna, who had wished him bon voyage. During the evening Dr. Cowie and Mr R. J. Young contributed vocal items, and a pianoforte solo was played by Mr Purcell Webb. A dainty tea, provided by Miss Finnis, was then partaken of. A happy gathering broke up with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Another presentation was made to Mr Thompson on Monday evening last, on the occasion of the Knox Sunday School anniversary, when Mr J. McGregor, senr., on behalf of the Sunday School, asked him to accept a handsome travelling rug as a token of the esteem in which he was held by those connected with the Sunday School.