ROBES OF OFFICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 September 1941, Page 4

ROBES OF OFFICE

PRESENTED TO REV. .1. DAVIE MODERATOR-DESIGNATE. GATHERING IN McGREGOR HALL. There was a large and representative attendance at the McGregor Hall, Knox Church. Masterton, last night, when robes of office were presented to the Rev. John Davie, ModeratorDesignate of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The robes were given by Mr Malcolm McGregor through the Ladies’ Guild. Mr T. F. Watson presided. Congratulatory messages were received from Westport and Dunedin. The following contributed to an enjoyable musical programme: Pianoforte duet. Olga Bettleheim and M. Bubbers: vocal solos. Mesdames Speight and Snowsill; Mr F. Price, blockboard sketches: Mr William C. Mann, solos: pianoforte duet. Miss F. Masters and Mr H. Filer; recitation, Miss J. Douglas. The Rev. David McNeur, on behalf of the Wairarapa Presbytery, said that Mr Davie had taken a full share in the work of the church, in addition to a large and responsible part in assembly work, in his long service in the Ministry. He congratulated Mr Davie and the Church on its appointment. Mr G. D. Wilson, session clerk, presented robes to Mr Davie for his office as Moderator and spoke of the excellent work Mr Davie had carried out in. the parishes where he had worked. The people of those parishes were just as proud as the people of Knox congregation. Under Mr Davie congregational work had prospered and missionary enthusiasm and youth . work had flourished, with a high spiritual tone. Mr Wilson spoke of Mr Davie's qualities as a pastor, a preacher and as a man. He congratulated him on being called to the highest office in the gift of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Mrs G. W. Morice. president of the Knox Ladies' Social Guild enrobed the Moderator-Designate with the robes of his office and expressed the goodwill of the ladies. In reply. Mr Davie spoke of the high calibre of the men and women who had stood by him in the district. The honour he had received was due to the congregation itself. He thanked the Ladies' Guild for its work and all office bearers in the church, particularly Mr Malcolm McGregor. He hoped that he would be able to wear the robes r with dignity and that the congregation/ would remember him in their prayers, through which he could possibly fill the office with distinction. Supper was served.