CALL TO ONEHUNGA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 177, 28 July 1934, Page 10

CALL TO ONEHUNGA.

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. EIGHT YEARS AT WOOLSTON. After eight rears* ministry at St. Peter's, Woolston, the Rev. L. McMaster has accepted a call to the- Onehunga Presbyterian Church. The call was sustained at a special meeting of the Christehurch Presbytery on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the Onehunga congregation, the- Rev. T. W. Armour stressed their needs and paid a tribute lo the ability of Mr. McMaster to fill the position made vacant by the retirement of the Rev. J. Scott.

The Rev. L. M. Rodgers said the North did need men of Mr. McMastcr'e type. Although the Rev. Mr. Scott had accomplished excellent work, he was of quite a different type from Mr. McMa-ster —"a burning, enthusiastic spirit." Mr. Rodgers could think of no man in the Church in New Zealand who would be more fitting to follow Mr. Scott.

"The need of St. Peter's is just as much in evidence as that of Onehunga," said Mr. A. T. McConchie, one of the managers of St. Peter's. "As a congregation we want tho Presbytery to allow Mr. McMaster to remain amongst us. The feeling towards him amongst young and old L> most cordial."

Mr. J. Townscnd also spoke in favour of retaining their minister's services. Mr. McMaster knew the working man, and spoke to a working man's audience in a plain and simple way.

"I fully appreciate the large support St. Peter's congregation has given me during the past eight years," eaid Mr. McMaetcr. when called upon to make his decision. It would be easy for him to go to Onehunga because there was a big field there, but he would leavo tho responsibility for his going on the Presbytery and put the call in their hands. If it was put in his hands ho would feel he had a commission to go.

Mr. Rodgers said he etill felt that the call should bo sustained despite the strong appeal from representatives of St. Peter's congregation, and he moved that the call should be left in Mr. McMaster'e hande.

The Rev. T. Paterson seconded the resolution.

In placing the call before Mr. McMaster, Mr- Rose said he felt it was going to bo accepted and therefore "we wish you every success and the blessing of God on the. work in your new parish."

Mr. McMaetcr requested the Preebytery to allow him to remain at St. Peter's till the. winter months were over and the amount of relief work Lad slackened off. This was agreed to.