Hastings Farewells Rev. N. R. Wood

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1959

Hastings Farewells Rev. N. R. Wood - 1959

Mr. C. Rawlings, secretary of the church, presided over a large gathering of friends and members of the church. Rev. H. A. Mitchell represented the Ministers' Fraternal and the National Council of Churches. Rev. Rex Goldsmith represented the Napier Church, Central Districts Association and the Baptist Union of New Zealand. Rev Peter Buchanan represented the Dannevirke Church. Mr. Ralph Barley represented the Hastings City Council in the absence of the Mayor.

Mr. Mitchell spoke of the wonderful work done by Mr. Wood not only in Hastings but throughput New Zealand. The capable manner in which he carried out his duties not only locally but in the National affairs of the denomination was in great evidence. Mr. Goldsmith thanked Mr. Wood for the assistance he had rendered to the Napier Church, to the Central Districts Association and to the Baptist Union of New Zealand. Mr. Woods' motto of "never let the local be the total" had been well carried out, and he had been a great influence to the Baptist denomination. Mr. Buchanan thanked Mr. Wood for the example set to him. As a younger minister Mr. Buchanan said he had been greatly assisted by Mr. Wood and he had been a great inspiration to a younger minister.

Mr. Paul Holman spoke on behalf of the young people of the church, and said that many of the younger people had known only one minister, that being Mr. Wood, and he expressed thanks for the guidance that had been given.

Mr. Barley thanked Mr. Wood for the work carried out for the city. Mr. Wood had been most co-operative to all civic affairs and was very well thought of throughout the city.

Mrs. Burns spoke on behalf of the lady members of the church and as a token of appreciation for the work carried out by Mrs. Wood presented her with a lovely bouquet.

Mr. J. Thorp on behalf of the church presented Mr. and Mrs. Wood with a portable radiogram and a cheque.

Mrs. Wood thanked all members for their kindness and understanding over the past nine years. Mr. Wood spoke very feelingly, he thanked the faithful men and women who constituted the congregation. Quality not quantity counts, said Mr. Wood. Although the pastoral tie would be severed the many friendships they had made would exist. Although I do not want to leave Hastings I feel that God has called me to go and I unhesitatingly obey His Will.

(March 1959)