ST. LUKE'S SOIREE.

Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2295, 13 July 1877, Page 3

ST. LUKE'S SOIREE.

The soiree oi' welcome to the Rev. G. B. Monro and Mrs Mouro, took place last eveningl in the Presbyterian Church of St. Luke, Itemucra. The church was entirely full of friends and visitors, and not less than GOO persons »at down to a pleasant tea, provided by the ladies of ihe church and neighbourhood. The ladies who presided at the tables with so much e/lieiency were Mrs James M. Clark, Mrs Slovens?"*. Mrs Kattrar, -Mrs Hardy, Mrs McUoll, Mrs Macrae, Mrs Heron, Miss Dennison, Mrs Kyburn, Mrs Angus, and Mrs Skinner. Among the ministers present, wore the Veil. Archdeacon Pritt (St. Mark's), liev. Mr Robertson (Beresl'ord-street Chapel), Rev. D. Bruce, Rev. It. Somnierville IWliaiil, Rev. T. Norrie (Papakura), Rev. R. IP, Macnieol (St. James's), Rev. Mr Ituncinian, Rev. Air .Brown (Onehnnga), Rev. P. Mason (Western Collegiate School). A large choir of singers, mostly ol: St. Mark's and. Sc Andrew's, assisted with appropriate selections. Tea being over, Mr James McCosh Clark was voted to the chair, and in a brief speech, congratulated the congregation upon having obtained a pastor who would fulfil not only all that was expected of him, but discharge the duties which he had undertaken with conscientious energy, to the great advantage of the Presbyterian Church in Mew Zealand.

Rev. It. 13. Monro, upon rising, was greeted With a round of applause. He then proceeded to state the circumstances which led to his coining to New Zealand, and settling amongst them at. Hemucra- He had long' wished lo serve the church in the colonies, and had nearly accepted an oiler to proceed to Africa, when the letter from the commissioners appointed in connection with i.t Luke's was laid before him. He earnestly considered the subject, and at length resolved to accept, the call. Mr Monro concluded an excellent speech by saying, that he believed there was a providential end, which had its influence over the actions of men, and that by prayer and serious self-communion, men were led to the work which they were lit test to do. He could only say that lie would endeavour to discharge the duties of his position with all his enorgy and ability. (Cheers)

Mr Thomas Macfttu'lano spoke of the financial position of. St. Luke's, and said they had cleared off the debt upon the church, with the exception of £50.

—Rev. J. Robertson spoke a few earnest and congratulatory words, and wished Rev. Mr Munro God speed in his future efforts.

Rev. David Bruce spoke at some length, and referred to Mrs Muuro as a lady in every wuy litted lo co-operate in the labours and visitations of a Presbyterian clergyman. He hoped the congregation would not only aid their minister, but encourage in every possible way the efforts of the lady in the good works she might, undertake. He wished joy and happiness and peace to Mr and Mrs Munro in all their future relations with their congregation.

Rev. R. .'''. Maciucol followed in a similar strain. In the intervals of the speeches the choir sang "Incline thine ear, O Lord." "Turn thy face," " I will lift up mine eyes." Mr Harding also assisted, and Mrs Mitchell sang "With verdure clad," and the lino solo "I know that my Itedeomcr'liveth." A lady sang the sweet piece, " See the lilies how they grow."' Solos were also ::iv iii by -Miss Macftarhuiß and Miss ■Tackson. Votes of thanks having been given to Rev. Mr Bruce'and IVIr jVlacifarlane for their continued assistance lo the church, uud also to the singers and chairman, the proceedings closed with "Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing." and the benediction by the Rev. Thames Xorrie.