A WORTHY MINISTER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1938, Page 8

A WORTHY MINISTER

MR. STOCKWELL FAREWELLED LAST NIGHT

TRIBUTES TO GOOD WORK DONE IN MASTERTON. “A LOYAL FRIEND TO ALL.” Glowing tributes to the splendid work done by the Rev. G. F. Stockwell, who for the past five years has been in charge of the Masterton Methodist Church Cir-

cuit, were paid at a farewell gathering held last night in the Me-

thodist Sunday School Hall. Stress was also laid on the high regard in which Mrs. Stockwell was held by members of the congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell leave today for Hawera.

There was a large attendance at the gathering, which was presided over by Mr. F. G. Rutter, Circuit Steward. Speaking on behalf of the church Trustees, Mr. F. E. Wells said that thanks and appreciation were due to Mr. Stockwell for the inspiration and guidance he had given during his stay in Masterton. When Mr. Stockwell had arrived about five years ago, they had plumbed the depths of the depression and, as a result, the church properties were not in the best of condition. Mr. Stockwell had set out to remedy the position and he had succeeded. The work that had been done had been made possible through the generosity of a few, but he doubted whether it could have been effected had it not been for the enthusiasm of Mr. Stockwell. The church properties were now in a much better state than when Mr. Stockwell arrived. The Trustees felt that Mr. Stockwell had done his job faithfully and well and he wished both Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell Godspeed and the best of health and happiness in Hawera. Dr. N. H. Prior, on behalf of the congregation, referred to the visiting of members of the congregation done by Mr. Stockwell and said he had heard nothing but good of Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell during their term in Masterton. Members of the congregation had all enjoyed the ministrations of Mr. Stockwell, who had always preached as a Methodist minister should. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell every happiness in their new circuit.

Mr. D. Barnes paid a tribute to the keen interest Mr. Stockwell had at all times taken in the church choir and said that his knowledge and experience had been a tremendous help to members of the choir. Mr. Stockwell had a happy knack of looking in at choir practices and members very much appreciated his interest and guidance. The Deputy-Mayor, Mr W. White, said that during Mr. Stockwell’s five years in Masterton he had shown a great deal of brotherhood to the men of the church. His attitude towards the younger ministers in particular had been greatly appreciated. Mrs. Stockwell had won the respect and esteem of every lady connected with the church. (Applause).

Mr. J. H. Conly, superintendent of the Sunday School, expressed sincere appreciation of the interest taken by both Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell in the activities of the Sunday School. The teachers had relied a great deal of Mr Stockwell's good judgment and sympathetic outlook.

On behalf of the Bible Classes, Mr. E. Cody thanked Mr. Stockwell for the study matter provided and the addresses given to members. His sermons had also been of great value to members of the Bible Classes. They all had a very high opinion of Mrs. Stockwell, while the hospitality at the Parsonage had been greatly enjoyed. He trusted that both Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell would enjoy years of health and happiness. Mr. Stockwell was a good preacher, a good friend and a first-class man in all branches of the church’s activities, observed Mr. C. R. Goudge, speaking on behalf of the local preachers. His sermons had been most beneficial. Mr Stockwell’s many fine qualifications would enable him to go on from success to success.

Mr. E. M. Hodder said Mr. Stockwell had been a wonderful help to the Circuit Stewards, on whose behalf he was speaking. Referring to the business ability of Mr Stockwell. Mr Hoddei - said that at the beginning of last quarter there was a debit balance of £25 in the Circuit Account. After all accounts had been paid at the quarterly meeting, held that night, however, there was a credit balance in the Circuit Account of £lB. That in itself was evidence that Mr. Stockwell had done his work well from a business point of view.

The Rev. D. McNeur, president of the Ministers’ Association, expressed regret at the departure of Mr. Stockwell and on behalf of the association presented him with a book as a token of appreciation of the work he had done in Masterton.

"Mrs. Stockwell won our hearts right from the start.” remarked Mrs. 1,, Jansen, speaking on behalf of the Women's Auxiliary. They owed a tremendous lot to Mrs. Stockwell and felt that they should rejoice that the joys and richness that had been theirs as the result of her stay in Masterton would now be shared by others.

After presenting Mrs Stockwell with a beautiful bouquet on behalf of the Ladies' Guild. Mrs. N. H. Prior said: “During your term in Masterton your Christian life and gracious manner have been an inspiration and a joy to all of us." She thought that Mrs. Stockwell's influence would be felt in Masterton for many years. In presenting Mrs. Stockwell with a handsome chiming clock. Mrs. Prior said:. "We hope that it will always chime forth the good wishes and love of your many Masterton friends."

Mrs. Stockwell said that the only difference between farewell socials and inquests was that at the former only half the truth was told. After referring to the happy relationships that had existed at the ladies’ meetings, she said she had particularly enjoyed her association with the. young people of the church and she went on to pay a tribute to the loyal service rendered by certain members of the congregation. Mr. Rutter said he had been closely associated with Mr. Stockwell in all branches of the church activities during the past five years. Mr. Stockwell had always practised what he had preached and his loyal friendship, hospitality and exceeding kindness would long be remembered by members of the congregation. On behalf of the congregation he presented Mr. Stockwell with a cheque in appreciation of his wonderful work in Masterton.

Mr. Stockwell expressed sincere appreciation of the many kind remarks and of the presentation. It had been one of the most enjoyable farewell social gatherings he had ever attended. It had been a pleasure to work in the Masterton circuit and he considered that his last two years in Masterton had been among the happiest he had spent in his life. He reminded his hearers that there was a great deal of work still to be done and said that the task of the ministry was becoming increasingly more difficult.. He urged that the fullest assistance and co-operation should be extended to his successor.

During the evening excellent musical and other items were given by the following: Miss D. Jameson, the church choir. Mr. D. Barnes and Miss D. O'Donnell. An excellent supper was provided at the conclusion of the gathering.