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THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR SATURDAY JUNE 18, 1960 The Rev. E. A. Chester, who leaves East Plains United Church. Aldershot, the end of this month, to do extension work for the United Church, and his wife, Mrs. Chester, will be honored at a farewell tea at the church on Monday evening. The tea is being sponsored by the Women's Association under the convenership of Mrs. Norman Sims. Mrs. Walter Ross, association president, will receive the guests and Mesdames Leslie Simpson, Donald Grierson, William Green and Gerald Jerome will pour tea. Assisting in serving will be Mesdames Alan Price, Robert Job. Murray Jarvis, Michael Sprung, Fred W. Hill. Howard Kirkpatrick. M. F. Mills, Elmer Street, James Torrance. A. E. Morris and R. A. Dolan. The Rev. Mr. Chester has been minister of East Plains Church for the last 13 years. TESTIMONIAL DINNER - The Kiwanis Club of Aldershot paid tribute to the Rev. E. A. Chester who is retiring as minister of East Plains United Church, Aldershot, at a dinner meeting at the Willowbank. Matt Williams (left), vice-president, presented Mr. Chester with a plaque commemorating his "outstanding work as pastor of East Plains Church in the community of Aldershot"; a portrait of himself and a Bible. Mrs. Chester was also a guest at the dinner. Kiwanians Honor Retiring Minister Years At East Plains Church ALDERSHOT - The Rev. E. A. Chester who is retiring June 1 after 43 years as a United Church minister, the last 13 of them at East Plains United Church, was honored at a special meeting of the Kiwanis C1ub. Mr. Chester, a Kiwanian of many years, was made the first honorary member of the Aldershot Club and was presented with a bronze plaque in recognition of his lifelong public service. The meeting was chaired by vice-president Matt Williams and was arranged by the program committee under Jim McLean. MR. McLEAN outlined Mr. Chester's ministry which began 43 years ago in Trail, B.C. He later served 14 years at New Westminister B.C. and Vancouver, followed by five years in Saskatoon. Eastern pastorates beginning in 1934 were in Toronto, Niagara Falls and Brampton. In 1947 he came to Aldershot as minister to the joint charges of West and East Plains. Under his direction the decision was made to make the two charges separate, in 1955. Ross Peart, senior elder of East Plains, described the progress made at that church under Mr. Chester's enthusiastic leadership. Due to a great increase in membership, a new church had to be built in 1956. Mr. Peart pointed out that while the new church was being erected, the congregation met in the auditorium of Holy Rosary School, the result of an arrangement made by Mr. Chester and the Rev. Blake Ryan. Mr. Peart said that to his knowledge, this was the first time such a generous agreement had been reached between two churches. THE KIWANIANS also presented the minister with a new Bible and a photographic portrait by Fred Hill of the club. Head table guests included Father Ryan of Holy Rosary Parish; Rev. William Petherick of West Plains United Church; Rev. William Black, of Aldershot Presbyterian Church; Ross Peart, senior elder of East Plains: Mrs. Chester and Mrs. Matt Williams. Also present were Burton Crocker, recording steward; Fred Bidwell, chairman of the board of stewards; and Earl Sovereign, clerk of the session of East Plains United Church. Clipping, May 21, 1947 - At the May meeting of the East and West Plains W.M.S. on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs. H. W. Outerbridge was presented with a life membership by Mrs. Goldwin Terry on behalf of the society. Mrs. Walter Crewson presided for the program.