BX March 15, 1915

Wrist Watch for a Soldier – Presentation to Pte. Arthur Howting by Members of Shenstone Memorial Church

A very pleasing event took place on Saturday night at the home of Arthur J. Howting, Dublin Street, when the members of Shenstone Memorial church gathered to bid him Godspeed before his departure with the Canadian contingent from Toronto, and to present him with a wrist watch and the following address:

Dear Brother Howting:

It was with mingled feelings of sorrow and admiration that we heard of your determination to go to the front to help fight your country’s battle in defense of the weak; sorrow because of the loss we shall sustain and admiration of your noble courage and self-sacrifice.

We have met tonight as a band of Christians, bound together in the love and fellowship known only to those who worship at the Throne of Grace, to let you know how much we have missed you and shall continue to miss you, at our prayer meetings, Bible school and church services where you were ever wont to be, and where your bright Christian testimony and readiness to help, were an inspiration to all of us.

We wish you to know that we shall always remember you in prayer when we are met together, and as you go forth to the work to which duty has called you, we commend you to our Heavenly Father’s keeping. May He be a wall of defense about you, shielding you from danger, and keeping you ever mindful of Himself, and may He bring you back in safety to your loved ones.

We ask you to accept this small token of our affections, trusting it may remind you of those whose prayers will follow you and that, though sundered far by faith we can meet around one common Mercy seat.

Signed on behalf of the church and congregation,

James Chapman, Pastor
W. Pierce, S.S. Superintendent.

After Mr. Howting had expressed his thanks, Rev. James Chapman pastor and W. Pierce, Sunday school superintendent spoke very feelingly. During the evening Mr. Selby gave several selections on his gramophone.