THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2856, 24 March 1888, Page 2

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Social Farewell to the Rev. J. N. Buttle. Last even wo, in response to a general feeling on the part of the congregation, a social gathering was held in the .Wesleyan Church, Masterton, to meet the Eev. Mr Buttle in a public farewell, prior to his leaving for a southern charge, and to express some recognition of the esteem whioh was felt for him, and the appreciation with whicli his faithful and never-tiring efforts for the happiness and welfare of those associated with him,'were regarded. The first portion of the evening's pleasure was in the form of a teameeting, to which, as to the after proceedings, admission was as befitted the occasion, free, the many and appetising good things being generously provided by the ladies of the congregation. There were three tables presided over by Mesdames Hoar, Pybus, Price and Barnes, and although the attendance of visitors was hardly as large as might have been expected, these ladies had a busy time of it in attending to the wants of their numerous guests.

THE MEETINO. Ac about eight o'clock, the tables had been cleared away, and those who had been present at the tea, supplemented by other friends, were entertained by a pleasant evening of music, interspersed with speeches some amusing, others instructive—and all interesting.

Mr F. P. Harrison who was asked to take the chair, in a few well-choaen words expressed the pleasure it gave him to preside at a meeting having as its object a recognition of the valuable services and kindly help which their departing pastor, the Bev. Mr Buttle, had rendered, with which they were all familiar, and from which all had benefitted.

The choir under the leadership of Mr F. W. Temple then sang an anthem, Miss Perry presiding at the organ.

Mr R. M. Galloway, the Circuit Steward, next addressed the audience and alluded to the regret which was felt by the congregation at Mr Buttle's removal from their midst to a new scene of labour.

Miss Pelling sang " The gates of the West, and Mrs Eose and Miss E. Perry contributed a pianoforte duet, " Madame Angot," each item being well received.

The Eev. J. Ward of Greytown, in a happy speech interspersed with anecdote, said that he had a great feeling of esteem for Mr Buttle, and he could heartily wish him God-speed :in his new sphere, Ashburton, Canterbury, He would extend his wishes, which by many personal kindnesses and meritorious acts were well deserved, to' Mrs Buttle and Miss Buttle. The Kev. gentleman then added a few words of testimony to his brother worker's many good qualities,and the sincerity with which he could second the kindly expressions which were being made towards him. Mrs Kibblewhite sang "Theßlue Alsation Mountains," with pleasing effect.

Mr B. P. Perry was the next speaker, and added a tribute to the earnest and successful ministration of Mr Buttle, and spoke of the affection with which he was regarded by the Church people.

THE PRESENTATION. After another anthem, the Chairman said that he had a very pleasureable task to perform; that of presenting to Mr and Mrs Buttle a souvenir of their stay in Masterton, in the form of a silver salver subscribed for by the members of the choir. Mr jjj Harrison then after some few remarks expressive of the grateful and kind feelings towards their Minister which had influenced those making the gift, and to which he could heartily add his own best wishes called upon Mr Buttle to receive the plate, which was a massive and handsome salver of artistic design. The Bee. Mr Buttle feelingly acknowledged the receipt of the gift, aud his appreciation of the kindly sentiments which had accompanied it. He felt that thero was no more glorious task than that of administering God's will and carrying out his work. Boeli he and Mrs Buttle had always done their best both as a duty and as a pleasure. If there had been auy failures, then he hoped they would be forgotten and also bo forgiven. He had been under several disadvantages. Some time* back he had met with an accident i which had greatly interfered with his r|p usefulness by leaving him far from able in certain respects. And then again he was apt to be misunderstood by those who did not know him well, for although his intentions were adverse to it, he had been told that he at first in some cases repelled association. This had always been far from his wishes, and ho at all times desired to encourage sympatheticjMendship, and that communion which was alike beneficial to pastor aud congregation. As regarded his approaching depar- , ture he thought that these periodical farewells were felt almost more by the ministers than by the congregation, but although each became much attached to each other, he considered that on the whole the circuit changes were very advisable and were productive of great good. The Rev. gentleman then exhorted the -x congregation to inoreased and steady efforts towards' leading a Christian life, and especially so in their attention to the affairs of the Church and more particularly to those of the Sunday (School, He hoped no little matters would be allowed to interfere with their work and duty. After an interesting and instructive address,the speaker concluded, by again thanking the donors of the valued gift wjth which hehad been presented and those present for the kindly,feeling

! which had beeiv evinced towards him and Mrs and which would always bo remembranco with them of the three years they had passed in Maaterton, Thoßevd, gentleman then accepted the choir's presentation at tho lmnds of the chairman, amidst the warm applause of those present and retired to his seat. Votes of thanks were then passed by acclamation to tho ladies for providing and presiding over the tea, the chairman, and the choir, and the doxology being pronounced tho meeting _________