Methodists give pastor their farewell

Methodists give Cliffside pastor their farewell. A large congregation Sunday says goodbye to the Rev. M. W. Heckard who leaves Tuesday. Many speak of his work: Charles H Haynes, J. G. Roach, Mrs. W. H. Haynes, M. Hendrick and B. P. Caldwell praise departing pastor November 17, 1927

Cliffside, Nov. 14—Sunday evening at half past seven o’clock, the congregation of the Methodist Church here gave the Rev. M.W. Heckard, the pastor who has done such good work in the Cliffside-Avondale charge and who will leave Tuesday for another pastorate, a farewell program which was conducted by the laymen. Mrs. Walter H. Haynes and C.D. Hughes were in charge and among those who gave short talks were Chas. H. Haynes, J.G. Roach, C.D. Hughes, Mrs. Walter H. Haynes and Professor B.P. Caldwell. There was special music and a large number of visitors, not only from Cliffside and Avondale, but from many other places as well, attended and just before the benediction was given by the Rev. Mr. Heckard everyone went forward and shook him by the hand, saying a few personal words of regret because of the transfer of the pastor to another fold. The appointment of the Rev. Mr. Heckard to Spray came as a great surprise to all.

Order Of The Service.

After the usual opening of the service, the prayer and reading of the Lessons by the Rev. Mr. Heckard, the laymen took charge. The first to speak was J.G. Roach, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and he talked about the helpful work and assistance the pastor had given in the Sunday School and how they would miss him personally. C.D. Hughes then talked for a few minutes and he, too, expressed his regret for the departure of the Rev. Mr. Heckard. Mrs. Walter H. Haynes spoke for the Women’s Missionary Society and was followed by M. Hendrick. Chas. H. Haynes told of how the pastor had always lent a helping hand whenever he had been called upon; he spoke of the good work in the mills and ready cooperation. Professor B.P. Caldwell followed with a short speech. There was a fine duet by C.D. Hughes and H.M. Owens, the latter of Avondale, and also a quartet sang with much expression. The singers were C.D. Hughes, H.M. Owens, Charles Metcalf and C.M. Collins. The Rev. Mr. Heckard preached a short sermon in which he spoke of the deep regret he felt in leaving Cliffside, and how it would forever remain in his heart. After the sermon all present came forward to shake hands with the pastor and when this was done the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Heckard.

This item was printed in The Sun on November 17, 1927.