AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 211, 5 September 1900, Page 3

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held last evening in St. Andrew's Church, at which there' were present the Rev. Mr McKenzie (Moderator), R6v. R. Sommerville (clerk), and about 20 other ministers and elders..

Sunday School Examination.—Rev. Ferguson gave a report re the progress made in connection with the proposed Sunday School examinations. He stated, that already £20 had been promised, and" that more was expected. The committee proposed to give prizes to children whether the schools to which they belonged had contributed to the general fund or not. He moved that the Presbytery this year present the prizes to the successful competitors in the Assembly examinations.— This was seconded by the Rev. Hugh Kelly ana agreed to. St. Peter's (Christchurch).—The clerk read a call from St. Peter's Presbyterian Church (Christchurch) to the Rev. R» J. Mitchell, of Hamilton, which was signed by 45 members and 35 adherents.—The call was supported by the Rev. Hug-h Kelly, M.A.—Tho Hamilton congregation reported it would not raise any objection, although Mr Mitchell's removal would be greatly regretted.—Rev. Mitchell explained that his office-bearers were of opinion it would be against "his interest not to accept the call. He however, noticed with regret that the call had only received the signatures of one-half of the congregation. The Free Church of Scotland had sent him out to Hamilton, and contributed towards his salary for three years, and his removal meant pecuniary loss to that congregation. After giving due thought to the case, he resolved to place himself unreservedly in the hands of the Presbytery and ask'it to decide for him.—Rev. Munro questioned whether they could deal with a call only signed by half the members of a church. He never heard of such a case before.--Rev. Sommerville said the Christchurch Presbytery had sustained the call, and the Auckland Presbytery could not alter it. He moved that, after carefully considering all the points of the case and the present state of the Hamilton congregation, the Presbytery considers it is the duty of this Court to decline to place the call in the hands of Mr Mitchell, and directs him to continue in his present charge; at the same time the Presbytery expresses sympathy with Mr Mitchell.—Rev. W. Norrie seconded the motion.—Rev. Steele said he considered Mr Mitchell's duty was to remain at Hamilton, where his labours had been so successful.—The motion was then adopted.

Waihi Congregation.—The Moderator laid before the Presbytery a call from tha congregation at Waihl to the Rev. Mr Bates. The call, was signed by 71 members and G9 adherents.—Mr Slavin, jn behalf of the Waihl congregation, said the salary was £175, with house rent. He spoke in high terms of the services rendered to Waihl by Mr Bates.—Mr Alexander also spoke strongly in favour of Mx Bates.—Rev. Munro moved that the call be sustained, which was seconded by the Rev. Ferguson.—This was agreed to.— Rev. Mr Bates then signified his willingness to accept the call. He said the people now knew him pretty well, having had him with them for two years.

St. Andrew's (Chrigtchureh).—A call was laid on the table from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Christchurch) for the Rev. John McKenzie, M.A., of the Thames Church. The call was signed by 104 members and 61 adherents, being practically unanimous, the salary being £400 per annum.—Rev. Felly supported the call. It was almost unique, he said, to have three calls laid upon the table at one meeting of tho Presbytery—so unique, that it would warrant an adjournment for a banquet, to bo provided, of course, by the three brethren called. St. Andrew's was a splendid church, Mr McKenzie was a splendid man, and there seemed no valid reason why they should not be united.— Mr Thomas Knight, on behalf of the Thames congregation, said no objection would be offered to Mr McKenzie's translation, although his removal would toe deeply regretted, as his pastorate had been marked with diligence, ability and marked success.—The Presbytery decided that the call be handed to Mr McKenzie, who then said he had already practically declared his Intention to accept a call from St. Andrew's if it was a hearty one. At the same time, he had made many friends at the Thames, whom lie would leave with deep regret. He wished to bear testimony to tho uniform sympathy and support he had received from the friends at the Thames. In going to Christchurch he was really going back to old friends in the South, but his sojourn with the Auckland Presbytery had been a printable one. Mr McKenzie thon declared'his Intention of accepting the call. —Rev. Steelo heartily congratulated Mr McKenzie upon receiving a call from such an old and influential church as St. Andrew's (Christchurch). During his sojourn in the Auckland district Mr McKenzle had proved himself a Christian and a gentleman. He considered .it a matter for special congratulation that a minister born in New Zealand should havo received a call from one of the most influential churches in tho colony.