ECCLESIASTICAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 93, 23 April 1891, Page 6

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The Wesleyan choir, teachers and officers Df Devonporfc, on March 31st presented to Miss Annie Henderson, on the' occasion of her marriage with Mr Daniel C. Brown, a handsome silver teapot and a pet of silver spoons. She had been a member of the church and choir for years.

The thirty-fifth annual soiree and general meeting of the members of the Papakura Presbyterian charge was held in the Papakura Public Hall on Thursday evening, March 26bh- Tho report showed thab the general Treasurer's receipts ■were as follows :—Sustentation fund, £158 19s Sd ; schemes of tho church, £10 17s 10d ; Dayspring fund, £2 17s ; Sabbath school fund, £2 9s 10d ; building and cemetery fund, £41 18s 3d ; periodicals, etc., £12 10s : total, £229 12s 7d. The report was adopted and office-bearers appointed for the ensuing year.

The anniversar} , soiree in connection •with tho Franklin Road Sunday-school •was held on March 31st. The annual report showed a great improvement on last year, there being an increase of ovor 36 scholars for the year. Tho treasurer's report showed tho income from all sources to be £45 8s lOki, and the expenditure, including bills now due, £55 183 5J,d, leaving a deficib of £10 9s 7d, which tho present servicos will help to remove.

A large number of friends attendod the annual soiree in connection with the anniversary of the Ponsonby Baptisb Sundayschool on Tuesday evening, March 31st. Pastor Gilmore occupied the chair at the after-meeting, and addresses wore delivered by the Rev. T. F. Robertson, Rev. G. Cox aDd Mr Nimmo, of Edinburgh. Tho annual report showed that tho scholars numbered 216, and the teachers 19, whilo the balance-sheet) showed that the receipts, £33 8s 3d, had equalled the expenditure. During the year class-room accommodation had been provided ab a cost of £33, which was defrayed.

The anniversary soiree of the Alexandrastreeb Primitive Methodist Church was held on the 21st inst. The balancesheet showed thab £600 9s 5d had been raised during the year, of which £72 3s 2d was raised by the ladies of the congregation. The expenditure amounted to £610 6s 3d, leaving a debit balance of £9 16s 10d. Tho Rev. J. D. Gilmoro gave an excellent address, urging the congregation to rally round their minister and work with him.

Bishop Suter was struck down by an apoplectic seizure at Nelson on the evening of April 2nd. He complained tha* the light) was hurting his eyes and went to his bedroom, where very shortly afterwards he was seized with a fib. The doctors hold out no hope of recovery. Bishop and Mrs Suter returned from a trip to the Hot Lakes a fortnight before, ho being much improved in health, but he was ordered a longer and more complete rest, and decided to go for a trip to England, and had taken a passage in the Rimutaka.

Bishop Selrryn has been seriously ill ab Norfolk Island for some time pasb, having an attack of malarial sciatica, which renders ib exceedingly desirable that be should be removed from Norfolk Island, where he is ab present located to a healthier place. The latest news received by Bishop Cowie was to the effect that Bishop Selwyn was a little better than at previous report, bub still very weak. Admiral Scott, who left this port on April 15th with H.M.S. Orlando, intends to call ab Norfolk Island en route for Sydney, and take Bishop Selwyn on to the last named port, if ho feels so disposed.

The Rev. J. Berry, who had charge of the Wesley Church in Wellington during the past three years, entered upon his duties on April 19 as Superintendent of the Auckland Wesleyan circuit. He preached at St. John's, Ponsonby, in tho forenoon, and delivered a epeeial address to children, expressing hia intention to pursue this practice at the ordinary services in tho future. In the evening Mr Berry preached at the Pibb-street Church, the attendances on both occasions being large.

The annual conference of the Churches of Chrisb in tho province of Auckland wae held in the Christians' Meeting House, Cook and Hobeon-atreets, on Good Friday. Delegates were present from Papakura, Papakura Valley, Turua, Hoteo Norbh, Wayby, Avondale, Omaina, and from the New North Road and Surrey Hills Churches in Auckland. The report of tho Secretary of the Evangelist Committee showed thab the Committee had carried out the wish of the last Conference by writing to Kentucky University, U.S.A., and securing the services of Mr F. W. Greenwood as evangelist. This gentleman arrived, according to agreement, on November Ist, 1890, and had laboured ever since in the city of Auckland. The country churches had been supplied by local preachers, and as an improvemeab class of 24 young men was now in good workins? order, the Committee expected to do even more in the future. The treasurer's reporb showed a balance in hand of £85 4s 4d with which to begin the new year. The following were elected as Evangelist Committee for the ensuing year :—Brethren 'Scott, Vickery, Downey, Davies, Perkins, Evans, Cox, and H. N. The Committe was instructed to "re-engage Mr Greenwood for twelve months, to date from the termination of his present engagement. Subscriptions from churches and individuals were promised amounting to £153 for evangelistic work. The Conference essay was read by Mr Scott, of Avondale. The subjecb chosen was " Worehip," and the paper reflected great credit on the writer. Mr H. N. Baguall was chosen as essayist for tho next Conference.

The 29th anniversary of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Sunday-school was held on the evening of April 4. The toa was served to an overflowing audience in the lower school-room, and a public meeting was held in the church. The decorating was very attractive. There was a capital muster of children, who sang admirably during the evening. The chair was occupied by Mr 6. Winstone, who gave an interesting introductory address, reviewing the school work from various points. Mr Purdy delivered a lengthy and exhaustive report ot the year's doings. Many valuable teachers had been removed, and others were received to make up the loss. The morning school, under Mr Shackelford, had 139 children on the roll, and the afternoon, under Mr Winstone, 420, with teachers and officere4s. Theschool stood well at the recent Sunday-school Exhibition. The school gained 12 special, 15 first, 19 second, and 10 third-claes certificates, a total of 56 oub of eighty-three exhibits. The library had 1,030 volumes. They collected £43 Is 8d for Home Missions, £10 12s 6d for Jubilee Fund. Tho work was very encouraging. Mr McMaster read outbhe balance-sheet, which showed receipts £142 Is sd, and expenditure £145 5s lid.

The Rev. J. Dukes and the Wesleyans of the North Shore district are to be congratulated on the happy termination of the relationship existing between them for the last three years, as evidenced by the proceedings and general tone of two largely attended and very pleasant gatherings held on the evenings of April 15th and 16th at Devonporb and Birkenhead respectively. The friends in all parts of the circuih had determined to give Mr Dukes agood send off and knowing thab nothing would give him more satisfaction than to leave them with a clear balance-sheet, they have eucceeded by a little special effort) nob only in wiping off the circuit debt bub also in presenting him with a purse of sovereigns and a beautifully illuminated address. Th«

address was presented by Mr _ Bdson, Chairman of the Devonporb meeting, and the purse of sovereigns was presented fay Mr Button in a very appropriate address ab the Birkenhoad meeting. Several friends, representing various departments of church work, gave short addressee at each meeting, all testifying to the cordial relationship that had existed between pastor and people and to the esteem and affection in which both Mr and Mrs Dukes were held, and the sincore regret felb at their departure. THE BISHOP'S PRIZES. The results of the examination for the Bishop's prizes appear in the " Church Gazette " tor the current month. The examination took place in February last, the subjects for examination being " The Life of Moses," " Sb. Mark's Gospel," "The Apostles Creed," and " The Church Seasons." The examiners were the Rev. H. S. Davios, the Rev. T. H. Sprott, Mr J. F. Sloman, and Mr J. W. Tibbs. The candidates, numbering 76, were from bho following schools .—Church of England Grammar School, All Saints', Epiphany, Sb. Sepulchro'e. Holy Trinity (Otahuhu), St. Matthias' (Panmure), Sb. Alban's. Some superintendents state that they cannot induce their best scholars to present themsolvea for examination. Tho maximum marks for the four subjects were 1,200. The following are the marks obtained by tho successful candidates :— Senior Giiade.—Class I. Mark?. Sarah Ponsford, All Saints' 1,008 Ada Gregory, All Saints' 967 Bertie Latt.-i, All Saints" 932 Elizabeth Cobb, All Saints' 931 Margaret Hubert, All Saints' ... 926 Lottie Morritb, All Saints' 923 Gertrude Gregory, All Saints' ... 909 Jessio Lusher, All Saints' 902 William Speight, All Saints' ... 597 Bernard Dudloy, St. Sopulchre's ... 863 Fred. Dawson, Church of England Grammar School 802 Kitty Mcllveon, All Saints' 83-4 Charles Morritt, All Saints' 805 Louisa Walker, Sfc. Alban's 804 Frank Clendon Long, Holy Trinity, Otahuhu 802 Clas.s 11. Lena Butterß, All Saints' 793 Gertrude Thompson, All Saints' ... 787 Goorge Hall, Church of England Grammar School... ... ... 778 May Henderson, All Saints' ... 773 Ada Walkor, St. Albans 712 James Wynyard. Church of England Grammar School 702 James Irwin, All Saints' 701 Nellie Ponsford, All Saints' 676 May Nixon, All Saints' .... ... 659 Colin Speight, All Saints' 654 Lilian Gregory, All Saints' 650 Cbarlos Stichbury, Church of England Grammar School 650 Charles Kingsford, All Saints' .... 649 Katherino Dunsford, All Saints' .„ 645 Carlton Hay, Sb. Scpulchro'a ... 634 Class 111. William Cochrane, All Saints' ... 506 James Short, All Saints' ... ... 492 Junior Grade.—Class I. Ethel Cruickshank, All Saints' ... 868 Class 11. Sarah Kay, St. Matthias', Panmure 778 Amy Gregory. All Saints' 776 Ella Searchfiold, St. Matthias , , Panroure 753 Edith Wilson, St. Alban'o 750 Lily Mcllveen, All Saints' ... ... 71g Mary Pousford, All Saints' ■ 68q Class 111. Ellen Nixon, All Saints' 578 Minnie Williame, S. Alban's ... 568 PASTOR BIRCH. Pastor Birch returned to Auckland by the 8.8. Mararoa, from Sydney, on March 31. During hia stay in Australia lie received a pressing invitation to tako the pastoral cnargeof a Baptist church ab Wooloomooloo, and was aiso urged to inaugurate services in some large hall in Sydney. Sb. James's Hall was crowded on April 7th by peraone sympathising with Pastor Birch. Before the doora of the hall were opened a crowd of over 100 persons wore in waiting, and by the time the moeting commenced all tho available sitting accommodation was occupied. When Pastor Uirch appeared on the platform, attended by Messrs P. Herapath (chairman), R. Fry, C. B. Stone, Woodham, and other gentlemen, a perfect storm of applause brolco forth. Mr C. B. Stono eaid tho duty he had to perform ' that night was both pleasant and painful—pleasant t>ocause it was a presentation to ono • lorn they esteemed, and painful bec&use die sympathy was needed owing to the cruel treatment he had received ab the hands of those who should have helped him in the work of Jie Church, and which treatment had compelled him to resign the pastorate. Mr Stone handed the following testimonial to Mr Birch on behalf of the 2,000 people by whom it had been signed : — To Pastor Birch.—Rev. and Dear Sir: We, the undersigned, being members and adherents of the Baptist Tabernacle and othor Churches in Auckland, and citizens, desire to place on record our high appreciation of, and our thorough belief in, your Christian character. During tho sixteen months of your pastorate ab the Tabernacle, we havo had abundant/ opportunity of learning your sterling worth and true nobility of heart, enabling you to Hvo and teach those principles of our most holy faith as contained in the Word of God. We desire to convey to you our heartfelt sympathy that circumstances of a mosb trying (and in our opinion unjust) nature have led you to resign tho pastorate of the Auckland Baotisb Tabernacle, where much good has been accomplished in tho hearts and consciences of a very large number, who are now members of the Tabernacle and other churches. Many a home has been made happier, and many an individual cheered by your unostentatious charity, • which has been dispensed irrespective of creed. Wβ shall ever pray for your euccess in proclaiming that blessed full salvation 1 which you love so well, and we earnestly doeire that the richest blessing of Almighty God may rest upon you and youre, wherever you are'called by Him to labour, whether here in Auckland or elsewhere. Assuring you of our affectionate regard, we are, dear sir, yours faithfully. Then followed the signatures.

Mr Birch was received with prolonged applause. He said such a gracious present from such a graceful audience made pereecution, if ib could be called such, a glory and a blessing. (Applause.) He thought, after that, he might take it for granted that God had been, and still was, with him. Mr Fry 'then presented the following testimonial from 167 residents of Onehunga:—"Reverend and dear air,—We, the undersigned residents of Onehunga and surrounding districts, desire to place on record our high appreciation of, and thorough belief in, your Christian character, and sympathise with you in your present pastoral difficulties. We also desire to convey to you our heartfelt thanks for the devoted and consistent manner in which you have ministered to ub in the public service, and to the sick and distressed amongst us wherever called upon during the months you have been resident in Auckland." Mr Birch then briefly returned thanks on behalf of his wife and himseli, after which the meeting was closed with prayer. On April 13 a meeting of Pastor Birch s supporters was held in the Lome-street Hall, when ib was agreed "That this meeting requests Mr Birch to remain in Auckland, to work with and for us, and we pledge ourselves to cooperate with him in the work which he desires to accomplish." The motion was carried almost) unanimously,only one person

voting againsbib. Tho proceedings throughout were moat enthusiastic, the speakers being frequently loudly applauded. At Pastor Birch's prayer meeting, held ab the Lorne-sbreeb Hall on April 20, he stated thab on Thursday afternoon last he had inbended taking a house at Mount Eden, but just before starting oIT he received a cable from Sydney giving him a cordial invitation to the pastorate of the Taberuaele there, this being tho second call from bhab church. The ministers of Sydney also seemed mosb hearty in their wish for him to work amongst them, and go from church to church so far as.possible. He had agreod only that day (Monday) at noon to soil his furniture, and be ready to become a ministerial pilgrim until the Lord came, which ho thoughb might be soon. He had not, however, fully decided to co to Sydney; the Father who ordered his steps might say ab the last momont, " Remain in Auckland. I have opened the churches to thoo and given thee the heart and ear of the pooplo; there shall now be showers of blessing." But if not he intended to go to Sydney for three months, when he hoped the peoplo of Auckland would receive him for a month's evangelism on tho speedy coming of our Lord and the healing of tho sick through tho ministration of tho Holy Ghost. Meanwhile, ho suggested that the friends of God thon present should become a free churchonNowTeutamenbliries, having a pastor, not to preach to or at them, but to love them and keep them in love, to be a gentlo shepherd; and he suggested Mr Woodham as being the ono whoso form had been brought boforo him when in prayer for guidance. Hβ suggo.stod iliat they should seek in prayer for men to act as " prophets," or preachora, " evangelists," "helps," "eifta of healing," and mentioned certain names as a guide to thorn. Under the head of "governments," he suggested Mr Fry aa Chairman ; Mr C. B. Stone, Treasurer; Mr Clomons, Secretary ; Messrs Coad, Spargo and Petty as Stewards.

The meeting was also addressed by Mr Fry, Mr C. B. Stono, and Mr S. Parker. A mooting of the new Free Christian Church will be held in the l-iorne-strcob Hall next Monday evening. Pastor Birch will preach in the Choral Hull next Sunday morning and evening ; and though it is not certain, theso sermons will probably be his last in Auckland for three months.