METHODIST FAREWELL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1940, Page 8

METHODIST FAREWELL

REV. AND MRS. F. J. PARKER GATHERING IN MASTERTON ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICES. The Masterton. Methodist Sunday School Hall was the scene last night of a farewell gathering to honour the Rev. F. J. and Mrs. Parker and family. This well attended meeting was the culmination of a series of such functions to pay a tribute to the work and personality of Mr. Parker as superintendent minister of the Masterton Circuit and to Mrs Parker, his worthy helpmate. Throughout the proceedings, the chair in connection with which was occupied by Mr. F. G. Rutter, senior circuit steward, there was a fine spirit of generous appreciation of the qualities and devotion of the honoured guests.

Representatives of various church activities referred to Mr. Parker's ability in many spheres as one of the best preachers in New Zealand Methodism, as a pastor, as a master of children’s talks, as one who had established himself as a great favourite with the children of the Sunday School, as a leader among the men of the church and the young people of the Bible classes, and above all. as a Christian gentleman and as a friend of his people.” Air. G. G. llancox, speaking on behalf of the congregation, and as one who had been fortunate enough to know Air. and Mrs. Parker for many years, referred to the fact that Mr. Parker had moved with the times and had. kept his mind and outlook fresh. Air. S. Ralph expressed the thanks of the choir to Mr. Parker, and Mr. Murray Daniell spoke for the young people.

Representing the Church Trust Board. Dr. Prior said that he considered that Mr. Parker's particular contribution had been the inauguration of the Trust garden party in the country.

In the absence of the Rev. D. McNeur, the Rev. T. V. Pearson stated that Air. Parker had been a valuable member of the Ministers’ Association.

Mr. J. H. Conly praised Mr. Parker's way with the children and his lively interest in the Sunday School. For the Kuripuni Methodist Church members, Mr. C. R. Goudge expressed a warm feeling for Mr and Mrs Parker anjl in appropriate terms of good-will presented to Mr. and Mrs. Parker a beautiful volume. At a suitable stage in the evening. Miss V. Jackson paid a feeling tribute to Mrs. Parker on behalf of the ladies. Whatever Mrs. Parker had undertaken to do, she had done well and faithfully. Miss Jackson presented Mrs. Parker with a pretty bouquet. Mr. E. Hodder, circuit steward, inter alia, referred to the fine preaching qualities of Mr. Parker and to the splendid example he set of clear speech and well-knit vocabulary. After wishing Mr. and Mrs. Parker and their sons, John and Kingsley, God-speed in their work at Lower Hutt, Mr. Hodder presented Mr. and Mrs. Parker with a travelling rug on behalf of the friends gathered there that night.

In reply, Mr. Parker paid a tribute to the help and loyalty of Mrs. Parker, and expressed thanks for the many kindnesses they had received in Masterton. He regretted that circumstances had arisen which should ask him to be released from the charge here and he appreciated the understanding spirit in which his request had been met. Vocal, and elocutionary items were presented by Mrs. H. Speight, Mrs. Leadley, Miss Doreen Jamieson and by the choir. The ladies had tastefully decorated the hall and served a dainty supper. The singing of the doxology and the pronouncement of the Benediction by Mr. Parker brought the meeting to a close.