GATHERING IN PARISH HALL
INSTITUTION SERVICE.
The institution of the Rev. E. J. Rich as Vicar of St. Matthew's Parish took place in St. Matthew's Church last night before a large congregation. The ceremony was conducted by Archdeacon A. L. Hansell At the conclusion of the Church service, a welcome was extended to the Vicar and Mrs. Rich by the parishioners in the Parish Hall. There was a large and representative attendance, in-cluding members of the clergy from all parts of the district.
Among those present were the Revs. E. O. Blamires and H. Dyson (Methodist Church), S. J. Campbell (Congre gational Church), John Davie and R. J. Dickie (Presbyterian Church).
Dr. Archer Hosking said Mr. Rich had come to them well recommended, and he was sure he would be well liked. He had much pleasure in form-ally introducing Mr. and Mrs. Rich.
Mr. J. Ninnes extended a hearty welcome, on behalf of the parishioners, to both Mr. and Mrs. Rich, and expressed the hope that their stay in Masterton would be pleasant to them, not only materially but spiritually. He made an appeal to the parishioners to extend their heartiest support and co-opera-tion to the new Vicar and his wife.
Archdeacon Hansell said he was very pleased to be present that evening to help in receiving Mr. and Mrs. Rich into the Parish. "Now, I suppose, you want to know something about Mr.. Rich's past," he said, amid laughter. The Archdeacon went on to state that Mr. Rich had spent four years at St. John's College, in preparation for the ministry before the war. After four years at the war, he came to St. Thomas's, Wellington, under Canon Fanthorpe. He had two years' training there and did such good work at Berhampore that that part of the parochial district was cut off and Mr. Rich was placed in charge. As Vicar of that parish for five years he did magnificent work. When the Taihape Vicarship became vacant, Mr. Rich was appointed to that position, which he held for six years. Mr. Bich came to them with an all-round experience of sixteen years and as a man who could stand up to any amount of work. Mrs Rich, he felt perfectly certain, would be a splendid helpmeet to her husband. Archdeacon Hansell expressed his pleasure at seeing members of the min-istry present from other parts of the Wairarapa and also the ministers of other Masterton churches.
On behalf of the Anglican clergy of the Wairarapa, the Rev. D. J. Davies, Vicar of Greytown, extended a warm welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Rich to the great parish of Masterton, and express-ed the hope that their time here would be happy and successful. He stressed the importance of the parishioners giv-ing the Vicar the support he deserved, and hoped that some day they would make him a greater man, ready for a greater work.
The Rev. E. O. Blamires, speaking on behalf of the ministers of other denominations in Masterton and also for the Ministers' Association, voiced a very cordial welcome to the Rev. E. J. Rich. who would, he believed, be backed up by the parishioners in prayer, faith and real hard work.
Mr. Rich, on behalf of his wife and himself, thanked them all from the bottom of his heart for the very real welcome they had extended to them, not only that night but since their arrival in Masterton. He hoped that he would be able to prove himself worthy of the charge given to him. Mr Rich expressed his great appreciation of the many kindnesses which had been extended to him by so many and also expressed his thanks to the speakers and others for their kindly words of welcome.
Songs were rendered by Mrs. Stopforth and Messrs. A. Hale and Jones. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. J. A. Rosewarne.