Half Century As Treasurer

Fifty years treasurer of Rushden Independent Wesleyan Church, Mr. Walter J. Lack was a special guest at the church schoolroom last week, where he was presented with a cheque on behalf of members of the church and congregation.

The presentation before a large gathering, and with the minister (the Rev. John Renison) presiding, was made by Mrs. E. Wrighton, one of the oldest members of the church. Receiving the gift, Mr. Lack said: "I have only tried to do my best." Evidently Mrs. Lack had made sacrifices, too, for her husband often spent five evenings a week working for the church.

Mr. Lack remarked that he had been offered an honorarium of £2 2s. some years ago, but he had never accepted it. He well remembered the first collection taken at the church on his appointment as treasurer. It amounted to £3 2s. 8d. The last one before he retired was £9 8s.

A balance of £200 passed into the hands of his successor, Mr C. Wildman.

Mr. W. Burgess in tribute to Mr. Lack said that he had always been willing to give advice and wise guidance in matters of finance.

Dr. S. W. Hughes (former general secretary of the Federation of Free Churches), of Walgrave, after complimenting Mr. Lack upon his work, said that he, too, was celebrating an anniversary—50 years in the ministry of the church. Quiet, modest and white-haired, Mr. Lack relinquished his position in October after so ending 52 of his 74 years with the church. During that time he had seen a debt of £650 "wiped off," had witnessed the building of the chapel, the purchase for the church of two cottages in Queen Street (one for the caretaker), and the building of the Manse.

Some £33,000 had passed through his hands during those years, of which he spent 37 also as superintendent of the church schools.

A native of Yardley Hastings, Mr Lack came to Rushden when he was ten. For 55 years he was employed by Messrs. Sanders and Sanders Ltd., retiring nine years ago. His home is at 5, Brookfield Road Rushden.