PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 251, 1 November 1901, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

CONSUMMATION OF THE UNION.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, Thursday.

The Northern Syuod held its final meeting to-day. Rev. Patterson reported conferring with the Union Committee of the Southern Church, and that they had agreed to drop the clause embodying the articles of Uuion which the Assembly Committee did not think should appear iv the Act of Parliament, owing to future possible complication... The committee expressed thankfulness to Almighty God for the successful conclusion of their labours. He formally moved the adoption of the Act by the Assembly.

The Rev. Norrie, of Auckland, seconded, expressing pleasure at the consummation of the Uniou, which was originally inaugurated in Auckland. The motion was carriell amid applause without dissent, the Doxology being sung with much ferVpur.

The Rev. McKenzie then introduced a deputation from the Otago Synod and Intimated that the latter had received the Assembly's decision with applause and by the singing of the Doxology.

An impressive ecclesiastical ceremony took place to-night, when the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand and the Church of Otago and Southland formally entered into an incorporating union. The ceremony took place in the Agricultural Hall, whicli is said to be seated for 1800 people, and to hold another 1000 at a crush. The building was crowded, and the proceedings were of a most dignified yet enthusiastic character. After the singing of the 100 th Psalm, followed by prayer, the unity act was laid on the table. The Rev. W. Will moved its adoption, and Dr. Sidey seconded. The motion was put and adopted by the assembly standing and putting up the right hand. This being done, the moderators signed the uniting act. Amid solemn silence the Rev. J. Elliot declared the act of union finally adopted. The choir then sang the "Hallelujah Chorus," after which the Rev. J. Gibb was elected first moderator of the united Church.