Kennewick Keeps Its Pastor: A Farewell Becomes a Welcome

The public farewell planned in honor of Rev. C. D. Rarey and family at the M. E. church last Monday evening was changed on short notice into a reception to welcome him back as pastor of the local church for another conference term. The change is due to several of the prominent members of the church, through whose efforts the conference assignment was set aside, and the Rev. Rarey will remain in Kennewick instead of going to Goldendale, the charge there being filled by Rev. Walter Airhart, who was to have come here.

Upon receipt of the news that the Rev. Rarey had been called from the local church, members of the congregation got busy with plans to have him retained. A petition was prepared and signed, not only by the members of the congregation but also by a number of business men. This petition was placed before the Bishop in Seattle Friday by E. Y. Hawley and R. H. Briggs. The request was granted and the change made in the conference assignments.

In the meantime the Rev. Rarey had made all plans to go to his new charge and had his household goods at the depot ready for shipment to Goldendale. Monday evening’s reception, however, was not called off and the clergyman and his family were bidden welcome instead of farewell. As a token of appreciation from the members of the church, Rev. and Mrs. Rarey were presented with a handsome silver cutlery set, a brief presentation address being delivered by Prof. M. S. Lewis.