WELCOME SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2483, 23 April 1909, Page 5

WELCOME SOCIAL.

- HE-V. J. A. LOCHORE

There was a reresentative and most enthusiastic gathering of church people of alll denominations in Whinray’s Flail last night, on the occasion of the welcome social which was tendered to the Rev. J. A. Lochore, who has refcontly arrived to take charge of the Wesleyan Church in Gisborne. Mr. John Townley occupied the chair, and with him on the piatform were Revs. J. A. Lochore and W. Lamb.

The Chairman extended a hearty welcome to Mr. Lochore, not alone from the AVesleyans, but from all the citizens of Povorty Bay, and expressed the 'hope that lie would meet with the same sympathy and support that had been given to his predecessors. Rev. W. Lamb said that it gave him great pleasure, on behalf of the members of the Baptist Church, to extend a hearty and loving welcome to the new 'minister. He knew well what it was to come into a new place and be amongst strangers. The minister was always before the eyes of the people, and more was expected from him than from anyone else. Ho (Mr. Lamb) was convinced that there was a great work for a minister in this district, and there was never a time in the history of the World when the work and influence of tho church were more needed than at 'present. He would urge the people to attend their church regularly, and said 'that tho churches were not in competition, one with another, but in co-opera-'tion, with the one desire that ail they did should be to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Wm. Grant, on behalf of the Presbyterians, Adjutant Melksham, of the’ Salvation Army, Mr. J. Dawson, on behalf of tho Christian Endeavor Society and Bible Class, and Mr. Goldsmith, cm behalf of the congregation of the Wesleyan Church, also tendered their welcome to the new minister. Rev. J. A. Lochore. on rising to respond, was greeted with loud applause. ’After expressing his thanks tor the cordiality of his reception, lie said that in going round tho town ho had noticed many signs of progress, but it was apparent that although they had a fine front street and many fine shops, some of the other streets were not what they should be, and as well as the gospel of salvation, Gisborne had need to go in for the gospel of sanitation. Ho was grateful to his fellow clergymen for their presence and words <of welcome, and said that he le t that to do the good work thorough?/ all denominations should co-operate, and the sea cess of ono did by no means mean the nonsuccess of the other. He was glad to hear that he was going to have the hearty and willing support of the young people of the congregation. He was in thorough sympathy with all the great social questions of the day, and in this direction he hoped to do his part in Gisborne, shoulder to shoulder with his fellow ministers, and all those who stood for righteousness. During the evening an orchestra, comprising Messrs C. J. East (piano), !«\ AYi Unison (cornet), A. Vowles (violin), and. A. Don (flute) contributed two selections, and Rev. Mr. Gardiner gave a recitation. Songs were rendered by Mrs. C. J. East and Messrs R. Wilkinson, IT. J. Brownlee, and IT. J. MeClymont, and at the close of the speeches refreshments were handed round by several of the young men and women of the church.