FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. H. SIMMONDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3079, 9 April 1892, Page 2

FAREWELL TO THE REV. J. H. SIMMONDS.

A social and coffee supper was held at the Mount Albert Wesleyan Church, on Tuesday evening last, the sth inst., to bid farewell to the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, who in accordance with the three years' itinerant system of the Wesleyan Methodist Church is removing this month from the Pitt-sfreeb Circuit to Cambridge, Waikato. There was a Rood attendance at the meeting which was presided over by Mr Thomas Allen, Circuit Steward, of Pitt-street. A resolution was moved in eulogistic terms by Mr A. C. Caughey, seconded by Mr J. E. Astley and warmly supported by Messrs T. Harbntt, Wesley Spraatr, E. Astley, JPriestley and C. T. D. Harley, all of whom spoke in the highest terms of their appreciation of the character and services rendered to the district by the guest of the evening. The resolution which was carried by acclamation rends as follows:—'• We the officers, members and friends connected with the Mount Albert Wesleyan Church, in saying farewell to the Rev. J. H. Simmonds on the eve of his departure for Cambridge, Waikato, hereby desire to express our sense of indebtedness to him for his earnest, faithful and able ministry exercised among us during the past three years. Also for his frequent, friendly and pastoral visits to our homes and the kindly interest he has ever manifested in all that pertains to our highest and truest good. We wish him, his excellent wife and family God speed as they lake their departure from us and earnestly pray that the whole of their future may be exceedingly bright, happy and prosperous. ' In his reply Mr Simmonds thanked the friends for their expressions of kindness and regard. He had always felt at home and that he was welcome among the Mount Albert people and should carry with him a warm recollection of their sympathy and good feeling. Referring to the Rev. C. H. Laws, who is succeeding him, Mr Simmonds asked the friends to give him their support and hearty co-operation in his work. The following musical items were rendered at intervals during the evening :— Part song, " Chills O'Vales of Pleasure ; solo bv Miss Bamford, " There's No One Like Mother To Me;" part song, " Hark the Vesper Hymn is Stealing ;" solo by Miss Bamford, " Water 3 of Jordan ;" part song, "'For the New Year." After the refreshments had been dismissed and some social talk, this very enjoyable meeting was "closed by all present joining in singing " God be with you till we meet again " followed by the benediction.