VALEDICTORY PRESENTATATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2472, 10 April 1909, Page 5

VALEDICTORY PRESENTATATION.

THB RET. C. GRIFFIN. A very fa” v J’-rirg c.f ihc congregation of the Wesley C hin ch t-ooK place on Wednesti. y • ; mg. when rn.• Re/. C. Griffin, who lias been in charge oi the Gisborne circuit; for the past .three years, and is being transfered to Alarton, in the Wanganui district, was presented v h hi hkin-inatid adcGoss and a purse of sow n-eign". subscribed by the members : ” igregofcion. Mr John ixtnvards presided, and in a brief speech spoke of the good work Mr. Griffin had clone in O sborne, more especially during the last twelve month' M:-h -. did and satisfactory procure - ■' h a been meile. and tie aft nils of the Clirroh ware ns a result in a verv pros • ms condition. The business methods bad been completely reorganised.- whilst the external and internal ccmdiiion oi the premises had been thoroughly repaired and renovated. Mr. Edwards, on behalf of the congregation, then presented Mr Griffin with the handsome gift. Several other members of the Church also bore testimony to Mr. Griffin’s popularity and successful ministry, and wished him-every success an liis future T/< ln'" reply, Mr. Griffin acknowledged the token of appreciation, and said that it was exceedingly gratifying to be able to leave the Church in such a satisfactory condition. He had great hopes for the future of Methodism in Gisborne, and trusted that all would do their best towards achieving this end, and assisting the Rev. J. A. Loc-n----orc, in his work. The following is the text of the •address: “Rev. C. Griffin—Dear Sir. la consequence of the itinerary oi the Methodist Church the time for your departure from Gisborne is rapidly approaching. As representing the congregation, we, the undersigned, desire to sincerely convey to you our appreciation of your three years’ ministry and sojourn in Gisborne. Notwithstanding many difficulties and much uphill work the Church is now in a prosperous condition, based on a solid and satisfactory foundation, chiefly owing to your efforts. Sincere sympathy is accorded to you and yours in connection with the deep chastening to which you have recently been subjected to by the sudden death of your daughter. \\ c ask your acceptance of the accompnnyino- purse of sovereigns as a small token oAho esteem of those with whom you have been associated with in Cnurcli matters during your residence m Gisborne. We remain, on behalf of tlio congregation, with best whiles foi success and prosperity.—Yours, sincerely” (Hero follow the signatures). ' Mr. Griffin leaves by the Monowai to-morrow., and his successor, Rev. J • A. Lochore, from Addington, will arrive here during next week, in time to commence his ministry oil the following Sunday, April 18th.