WESLEY CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2473, 12 April 1909, Page 4

WESLEY CHURCH.

REV. C. GRIFFIN'S FAREWELL. The Rev. C. Griffin, who lias had charge of the Gisborne Methodist Circuit for the past three years, and has transferred to Mart on. preached his farewell sermon in Wesley Church yesterday morning. The building was crowded. Mr. Griffin’s text was St., Mark XVI., 3, “Who shall roll away the stone.” During the course of on impressive sermon the preacher said that. Easter Sunday reminded Christians that the stone had been rolled away from the gate of heaven by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The uncertainty tlV.t ’had always surrounded death had been rolled away bv His resurrection, and the King of Terrors had lost his power. There were stones that- God left for the Christian to roll away, and those were the stones of sin and doubt, and he would ask all who found such stones in their path to ask God's help to push them aside. In saying "Good-bye,” the rev. gentleman said it was just three years’ since he had first stood in the pulpit of Wesley Church. and to the- officers, members, and adherents of the Church he could say that during that time ho had used every endeavor to live up to his calling, and in all respects had tried to do Ins best -and what he thought was right. He wanted them all. if they ever thought of him in the future, to think of him at his best, and he would assure them that he would always think well of the people of Gisborne. To those who were not adherents of the Church, ho would say that he felt grateful for all the kindness that had been shown to him in Gisborne. Ho had made many friends in the town and had received every encouragement in bis work from the people. Tie aho wished to thank those w’;o had extended to him ir deep ’and heartfelt sympathy at " time of great sorrow, lie hoped that next Sunday morning there would be ji large congregation to welcome the Bov. J. A. Lochore, and that all members of the Chucrh would give him every assistance in his work. To the .members of the Church, to its adherents. and to his friends in Gisborne be would say, “Good-bye, and God be with you.” ' „ At the conclusion of the service the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated, a large number of persons remaining.