AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1899, Page 3

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A meeting1 of the members of the Auckland Presbytery was held last evening' in St. Andrew's Church, at which there were present Keys. G. B. Munro (Moderator), K. Somerville (clerk), Steele, K. F. Macnicol, R. Ferguson, Finlay, J. Milne, T. Norrie, Wylle, McLean, H. Kelly, T. F. Robertson and a number of elders. Presbyterian Visitation.—The Moderator read the report of the Commission appointed to* visit St. James' Church which gave details of the services held and other particulars; also that the average church attendance was 400. with «T5 on the communion roll. Reference was also made to the faithful services of the minister of St. James' Church. Mr Munro said it . was a great pleasure for the Commission to visit St. James' and find everything in such a satisfactory condition. Mr Macnicol had been thirty years at St. James' Church and still maintained his popularity, and was also one of the most esteemed amongst the brethren in Auckland. The Moderator was appointed to preach at St. James' and read the report of the Commission to St. Janies' Church.

Huntly.—The Clerk introduced to the Presbytery Mr Ward, who he stated was doing good work at Huntly. The Moderator welcomed Mr Ward, and complimented him upon the good work he was doing.

Baptism. —A petition from the church at Thames, asking that church 'extension agents be empowered to baptise, was' referred to the General Assembly.

New Hymnal.—The committee reported in favour of adopting- the new hymnal agreed to by the Presbyterian Churches at Home. The report -was adopted. The Rev. Mr Norrie asked if the new book had red edges, because, said he, when Church Praise was introduced one man said he had never seen a Presbyterian hymn book with red edj?es. the Clerk smilingly replied, 'The new books have all red edges.' Church Extension.—The Rev. Mr Ferguson and Mr McKenzie were appointed to take charge of the matter of church extension grants at the forthcoming General Assembly. The Clerk mentioned that £20 voted to Huntly last year had, not been paid. Mr Mitchell referred to the necessity for a grant of £25 this year for Te Aroha, and the Moderator said Mercury Bay required a larger grant this year. Leave of absence.—The Rev. G. E. Munro reported that his congregation had given him leave of absence for a trip 'Home. He therefore asked .the Presbytery for leave of absence for six to nine month from the beginning of April. This was granted, and the Rev. R. F. Macnicol was appointed moderator of St. Luke's during Mr Munro's absence.