REV. T. F. JONES' DEPARTURE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume IV, Issue 140, 8 April 1892, Page 5

REV. T. F. JONES' DEPARTURE.

FAREWELL SERMON. The Aratapn Hall was crowded last Sunday evening ; fully two hundred persons attended to hear the Lev. T. E. Jones’ farewell sermon, and every seat was occupied Instead of reading a second lesson the reverend gentleman addressed a few parting words to the children, many of whom were present. Elders ns well as children will do well to accept the advice given, namely—l, Be careful what company you keep. 2, Be very careful what books you read. 3, Honour your father and your mother. 4, .Be very careful of the words you speak : shun the india-rubber words, the vinegar words and the slanderous words, and cultivate the golden words. In his sermon Mr Jones spoke very impressively, taking as his text Deuteronomy 30. chap. 19 verse— *1 call heaven and earth to record this day against you. that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing ; therefore choose life. 55 The choir sang the anthem “ Daughter of Zion,” in a very pleasant manner. Before closing the service Mr Jones thanked the choir master, organist, stewards of the church and congregation*for the liberal support and kindness extended towards him during the past three years. CIRCUIT QUARTERLY MEETING. On Monday afternoon the Wesleyan Circuit quarterly meeting was held at Aratapn. The Balance sheet showed a credit balance of £3 os 6d, so that Mr Jones can be congratulated in so far that when he came into the Circuit there was a deficit of about £3O, but he leaves behind him a credit balance In addition to this however, a large amount of money has been raised during* the last three years for special purposes such for instance as the parsonage, Kedhill church etc. It was decided to discontinue the Sunday evening* services at Arapohue during the winter quarters, and to hold evening services at Kedhill only on moonlight nights. Messrs E. W. Matthews and M, Harding were appointed to meet and welcome the Rev. Joseph Blight on his arrival, on behalf of the Circuit: and it was also resolved to hold a public reception tea meeting on Friday, the loth inst. in order to introduce the new minister to the people* Short speeches will bo made by representatives from each oftheOircuit churches and friends from different parts will assist in

the musical portion of the entertainment A small charge of one shilling for adults and sixpence for children will he made to cover expenses. Mr E. W. Matthews moved that a hearty vote ol thanks be accorded to Mr Jones for his faithful work in the Circuit and that the meeting record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered. Mr Matthew? spoke feelingly in support cf his motion, and was followed by Mr hatching, Mr McLeod and Mr Stallworthy. The motion was unanimously agreed to and Mr Jones returned hi« thanks. Mr and Mrs Jones took their departure on Wednesday morning in the p.s. Osprey, and in deepest earnest we wish them both “ God speed.” Mr Jones, we feel sure, has done much good in the district, and speaking personally we can truly say that he has done us real good. May he live long to do for others what he has done for us is our prayer. Mr Jones goes from here to Waitara and will, we hope, enjoy the change.