Original Correspondence.

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 892, 27 March 1877, Page 5

Original Correspondence.

* THE; TOKOMAIRIRO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (To the Editor. J Sir, — The annual report of this congregation, contained in your last issue, shows that this church continues to maintain, its position as one of the mc^t prosperous country charges jn, the Colony, and as the annual meeting has been announced for Thursday evening, I have a few suggestions to oifer, which, in my opinion, would tend to advance the interests of the congregation, which owns its success tc\ ths inherent | churchsgoing habits of the community, more than to any efforts made by the pastor, missionary, and session, to cultivate so large and fine a field of christain labor (»ess advantage. In the urst place, there is no such thing as organisation existing. The elders, and deacons have not, as else^heye, their several districts cvGi- which to preside. The minister visits none, and has on former occasions plainly told his flock tha,t h^ a,o,t satisfy their XYtymq, h$ p.er^odi^l visitations, but wheft informed by them of sickness, will put iv an appearance in individual cases. To my knowledge, God-fearing parent^, with large families residing \x\ the district, do not frer-uer^fc a,txy place of worship, who would do so were a minister or eldje.v to put in an appearance, in ca.se oi th,e illness or the funeral of near and dear relatives tcitUivik special invitation^, or were they aeeaaionaily to pay their ihon^e Sryside a friendly visit ta th,em, of their duties. As it is, no o,ne connected, with th.c church haß been under their- roor, and they have got out of the way of attending church although mostworthy^ and consistent in theit every -rday lives-and conduct. I trust that something will be done at the approaching meeting to ao. organise the conduct of the ciuvQ.h'a.aQairs that no family within tta hounds will in future be able to say that no minister, missionary, or elder has for 12 months entered th?;r door.. A minister may "areata, ever ao eloquently iv pulpit every Sabbath, but if he neglect house to house visitation,, \e works without % key whAcfy above fkW °$? rs ; B*^9

access to the hearts of young and old, rich and poor. I am, &c, PjRESBYTEEIAN.