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Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

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P.M. Pastor's Farewell

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P.M. Pastor's Farewell Presentation to the Rev. James Whittock. A large number of members and friends gathered at the Llwynypia Primi- tive Methodist Chapel on Tuesday even- ing last, the occasion being a farewell and presentation meeting to the pastor of the circuit, the Rev. James Whittock, who is leaving the Rhondda to take up pas- fcorial duties at Tredegar. The meeting iwaa presided over by the circuit steward, Mr, W. H. Farmer, who, in the course of his opening address, said that the large number present showed the good- will and love that prevailed between them and their minister. They were -met to show their appreciation of the services he had rendered. Their minister ■*bad been a father t-o the young people, and a brother to the elder ones. During this ministry he had given seven years of the best of his life to the circuit. Dur- iÏng: his ministry in the Rhondda he had Superintended the building of four ^chapels, and formed many new trusts, which meant a great deal of work out- side of preaching. Personallv, said the Chairman, he was losing a close friend, and he trusted that the blessing of God would follow the minister in his new sphere, Mr. J. Hopkins, of Pentre, said that the preferred reception services to fare- twell meetings. As a, local preacher on fttie plan, he said he had no cause to ca-mplain, and he was pleased to see such Iøo large audience, which showed that they had not got tired of Mr. Whittock. 'During his ministry he had done magni- ficently, and they should all feel very grateful to him for his excellent services during that time. The speaker said that ha was glad that Mr. Whittock had held to the Old Theology, and had not been tainted with the new. He wished to con- vey to their departing pastor the very feast wishes of the Pentre Church. Mr. Gifford, Dina-s. then addressed the meeting, and said that he always loved to be in the company of their es- teemed pastor, and was always pleased to receive his kind counsel and instruc- tion, During Mr. Whittock's ministry. he had lifted a great burden from the baoks of the officials at Dinas Chapel, having reduced the debt from £ 500 to £ 200. Mr. Davies, of Trealaw, said that Mr. WJaHies Cook, the person who had been selected to address the meeting on be- half of Trealaw Church, had passed over to the Great Majority. The speaker, continuing, said that during the seven years' ministry of Mr. Whittock, he had come in contact with him very often, and fhad always found him a gentleman, and always the same, whether he met him in ,t,he street or in God's House. Mr. Da vies iiioped that though the minister was leav- ing the Rhondda Valley, they would see him in their midst again, Mr. R. Jones, Cwm-Clydaeh, next addressed the meeting, and said that, as one of the youngest preachers, he felt a great respect for Mr. Whittock. As a young man preparing for the plan, he could say their minister did not think it too much trouble to devote one night » week towards preparing the young preachers for their examinations. No matter what the state of the weather might be, their minister was always found at his post, and no matter how small or how large the congregations, his whole soul was put into the services. Mr. Samuel Lane, Wain Court, said that- Mr. Whittock, during term of loffice, had worked hard, His subjects throughout all his preaching had been Sounded on firm foundations. He wished IMr. Whittock well in the Circuit to which lie vrts- going, and hoped that he would have the pleasure of hearing him again in the future. Mr. Geo. Durnell addressed the meet- ing on behalf of the Sherwood cause, and isaid that during their minister's pastorate a chapel had been erected for the Sher- twood Society, and the latter would always love his memory. One thing would always be patent to the minds of every official of the Circuit, said the speaker, and that was the kind and brotherly feeling which Mr. Whittock had shown, and they were all sorry that he \a8 departing from their midst. At this stage of the service letters of appreciation were read from the Rev. F. Turp, Porth, and from the societies at Ogmore Vale and Pontycymmer, after -ihich the Chairman called upon the iaader of the Llwynypia Chapel Orchestra, Mr. John Farmer, to make a presentation to' the sou of the minister, the preheat being an antique framed photograph of the Band, of which Mr. Graham Whittock has been a member for many years. In making the presentation, Mr. J. Jfarmer said that the present was made tOll behalf of his fellow-players, and it was something that would always keep the recipient's memory fresh and green and remind him of the pleasant time he had Spent whilst a member of the orchestra. Mr. Whittock (junior) feelingly respon- ded, and said that he could not give adequate expression to what he intended to say, but he thanked the orchestra for their high appreciation, and he would talways look back upon the time spent in fflhe band with pride. The Chairman then called upon Mr. C. English, Pentre, to make the presenta- tion of a purse of gold to the Rev. James (Whittock, Mr. English said that it was with great pleasure that he responded to the call of the chairman. Everything that had been said about the minister had not been exaggerated, as he had always been a very energetic worker, and the Circuit would always bless God for the guidance he had given them. They had always found a willing worker. At Pentre, said the speaker, difficulty had bæn experienced in keeping the young people, but since Mr. Whittock had been in the Rhondda, he "-as proud to say that they were able to report a large number of young people standing by their church. The speaker then made the presentation, stating that lie felt the recipient was worthy of far more, but lie was pleased that, despite the clouded ötate of the South Wales coal trade, they v ere able to hand over a very nice sum. He also extended the kindest regard and love of the whole Circuit to Mr. Whittock. The rev. gentleman feelingly responded. He thanked the speaker for the kind words spoken about him, and the meet- ing would ever live in his memory. He stated that he had preached 250 times every year during his seven years' ministry in the Rhondda, but he felt that all that 'he had done was only his duty, and he v'0"ulcl be leaving behind him many true i riends. He had found his Circuit steward .and officials always willing to strengthen Ids hands in whatever lie had been called vpon to do. Since he had laboured in the. Circuit the membership had increased by 105 members. He assured his hearers .L that there was a joy in serving the Master far above anything the world could give, and be desired all his hearers to consecrate themselves to the service of Christ. The singing of God be with you till ive meet again" brought a very memor i ble meeting to a close. Mrs. R. Dallimore rendered a solo, and Mr. Wm. Cryer pre- sided at the organ. During the Rev. James Whittock's residence in the Circuit there has been an increase of 105 church members, £ 5.750 in the value of connexional pro- perty, whilst the debt of the property has only been increased £ 1,695. There is an increase of 52 Sunday School teachers, 421 scholars, and 518 junior and adult total abstainers.

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