METHODIST FAREWELL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1938, Page 8

METHODIST FAREWELL

DR AND MRS ALLEN RUTTER GOING TO THE SOLOMON ISLANDS. FAITH AND GOOD WISHES. The Masterton Wesley Church was well filled last evening, when a warm welcome was extended to Dr and Mrs Allen Rutter. It was also an occasion of farewell, as Dr. and Mrs Rutter are to leave shortly to take up duties with the Methodist Mission in the Solomon Islands. The new Methodist minister, the Rev. F. J. Parker, who was welcomed on behalf of the church by the chairman of the meeting, Mr E. M. Hodder, said that the thoughts of the Masterton Methodist Church would always be with Dr. and Mrs Rutter in their work. Those at home would always remember them and be praying for them. On behalf of the Methodist Circuit, he wished them success in their great venture. Mrs Rutter, who was introduced by Mr Hodder, spoke of the wealth of inspiration that they had gained from the meetings they had held recently in different parts of New Zealand. They would be glad to think, as they worked, that they had the church behind them. They hoped that in some small way, they would be able to share the friendship and fellowship which they had seen with the youth of the Solomon Islands.

Welcoming Dr. Rutter, Mr Hodder said that few of them realised the extent of his brilliance. For eight years, said Mr Hodder, Dr. Rutter had worked solidly to obtain the many honours he now held. His career had been followed with keen interest by the Masterton people, who were now looking forward to hearing of his further achievements.

Dr. Rutter thanked those present for their welcome and the speakers for their words of encouragement. Their recent meetings had been a source of inspiration and help, and they had watched with interest the rival of missionary enthusiasm which had recently taken place in the church. They were tremendously grateful to have the opportunity of making contact with the life of the church before going away. The life and interests of the missionary overseas, said Dr Rutter, depended on the life and interest of the church at home. “If our work is going to be a success,” he observed, “it will be with the help of you people when you pray for us, while we are away.”

Dr. Rutter outlined the development of the missionary movement in the past few .years and said that he was convinced that God had a plan which was going to culminate in the winning of the Solomon Islands for Christ. Dr. Rutter went on to speak of the experience he had gained during his work abroad, referring particularly to his study at the School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in London. Dr. Rutter testified to the inspiration which God had given him during those eight years overseas. There had been times of loneliness, times of decision, times of mental and physical tiredness, he said, but at all times God had comforted him. The Solomon Islanders, continued Dr. Rutter, were people worth saving. Thanks were due to the pioneers who had laid the foundations of the missionary work in the Islands. Dr. Rutter referred to the place medical work should take in missionary activities. He outlined the various phases of the work that was before them. They had to change the natives’ whole idea of disease,from something that was a part of their life to an evil that could be eradicated. Dr. Rutter said that in addition to his other activities in the Islands, he was looking forward to carrying out research work. He and Mrs Rutter were going to their task, with the joyous thought that it was God’s will for . them and for the church.

Speaking on behalf of the young men of the church, Mr E. Cody said that they were all very proud of Dr Alien’s achievements in medicine. He handed Dr. Rutter the sum of £lB which the young men had collected, and which they hoped Dr. Rutter would use as a special fund for the extension of God’s service in the Islands.

On behalf of the church Dr. N. H. Prior also presented Dr. Rutter with a sum of money as a token of esteem. Dr. Rutter thanked both the speakers for their gifts and expressions of goodwill. During the evening an item was rendered by the Choir.

Later, supper was served in the hall, where a large number took the opportunity of extending congratulations and best wishes to Dr. and Mrs Rutter.