The Rev. Dr. McKay has been busy for the past week making and receiving calls to and from his friends, packing up, and in general making ready for his departure to Formosa. He will leave this Friday afternoon by the Great Western Railway at 4:45. …

On Sabbath last he had a hard day's work. He preached in Embro this morning, and made a short address in Chalmers and Knox churches, Woodstock, in the evening. … It was in Knox church he said, ten years ago that he last spoke to a Woodstock audience before leaving Canada to begin his labors as a missionary, and it was because of this that he had felt a desire to say his last farewell when now returning to resume those labors in Formosa. …

On Tuesday evening the Doctor was invited to meet his old teacher, on the 10th line, Zorra, and a number of his school-mates and friends, at the house of Mr. And Mrs. W. Griffiths, Woodstock, Mr. Griffiths having been among the number of the missionary's former playfellows. They would appear to have been on specially intimate terms, for Billy is authority for the statement - which caused much amusement Tuesday night - the embryo D.D. and missionary, who was the bigger man of the two, on one occasion gave him a sound "licking", as the result of a mischievous prank. …

Rev. W. A. McKay having moved to the chair, the following address was read by Mr. Geo. McKay, a farmer [sic] teacher of the missionary: "To Rev. G.L. McKay, D.D. "DEAR SIR, -- We, the undersigned, consisting of your first school teacher and a few of your old schoolmates, have felt that we could not allow you to leave your native country for the far-off field of your missionary labors, without asking you to meet with us in order that we might in a special manner give some expression of our feelings towards yourself and your work.

"From the Zorra township there have gone forth not a few who are active and useful members of the various walks of life. To you alone, however, it has been given to excel in the highest calling on earth - that of a missionary … By the blessing of God upon your labors you have made Canada a household word wherever the facts of modern Christian missions are known or read.

"While the Presbyterian church, and indeed the whole Christian world, are praising the Lord for the wonderful work He has wrought through you in Formosa, be assured that we, your old associates and fellow-christians, are not behind others … in our admiration of that faith and fortitude, that fearlessness and fervor which you have so wonderfully exhibited amid all your toils and trials. … Be pleased to accept this copy of the bible as an indication of our esteem for yourself personally, and of the deep interest we feel and will continue to feel in the great work in which you are engaged. …

"We shall remember you and your dear partner in life when you are on the mighty deep … And when you are separated from us by a great distance, be assured that you shall not be forgotten; our prayers shall not cease that the Lord of all the earth may bless and keep you and yours, and make you more and more useful in winning the world for Christ. …"

To the above the Doctor replied in the most feeling terms, remarking that this occasion and its object, and surrounded by his playmates, touched him more tenderly than any of the honors that had been heaped upon him since his return. He prized still more the present, a very beautiful family bible, and he wished them all the blessings which its teachings could afford.

Words of reminiscence, good cheer and farewell followed … and the occasion, while one of regret, was also felt to be one real pleasure and joy to all present.