Welcome to Hastings Rev. and Mrs C. Boggis

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1934

Welcome to Hastings Rev. and Mrs C. Boggis - 1934

A large gathering of our members and adherents assembled in the schoolroom on Thursday, March 8, to extend a hearty and loving welcome to our new pastor and his wife.

The schoolroom was daintily decorated with flowers by the Ladies' Guild. Everything was bright and happy for the auspicious occasion. Mr J. Bewley, our able secretary, occupied the chair. In a few well chosen words he put the meeting on a good footing. Mr W. Kean presided at the piano, and the speech-making of the evening was interspersed with musical and elocutionary items by members of the choir. Mr Sim, on behalf of the officers and people, in a witty little speech welcomed Mr and Mrs Boggis to the new work.

The Rev. C. Tanner, on behalf of the Anglican friends and the Ministers' Association, extended a warm welcome to Mr Boggis. Mr Thorpe spoke a word of welcome on behalf of our adherents, of which we have so many. The Rev. Duncumb brought quite a representative group from the parent church at Napier, and in an earnest speech voiced the good wishes of the Napier Church. Mr H. R. French extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the Methodists of the town.

The new pastor responded in a speech that at once won the hearts of our own people and the friends assembled. He said he had left his first church home at Island Bay after a three-year happy ministry. It is a hard thing to uproot oneself and start in again, but it was the call of God and a great opportunity. His first work and thought would be the pulpit duty. He had come, he said, to do the work of an evangelist.

The meeting closed in prayer and thanksgiving to God. The ladies had provided the usual basket. During refreshments the new pastor and his wife took the opportunity of making acquaintance with the many friends gathered together to wish him well in his new undertaking.—R. E. B.