NORTH BELT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Press, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4754, 28 October 1880, Page 3

NORTH BELT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

[CoaraTTHICATEDj The early and sudden removal of the Bey. David MeKee, the first minister of this congregation, yet in its infancy, might well be expected to. damp the ardour and paralyse the efforts of its members. Instead of this, it lesms to have aroused them to greater energy, in order to carry out to the full the important work they had undertaken. On Sunday last, deeply impressive services were conducted la sorrowing audiences in the Hall, Montreal street North, by the Eer. John Elmalie and the Her. Jamea HSI, Xfae col-

lections of the day and contributions from the Sabbath School children were devoted to the erection of a memorial to their late pastdr, and a considerable amount was obtained for tbat purpose. On Monday evening, meetings of the committee and congregation were held, when much important business was transaofed, in. eluding the drawing up of a minute of condolence to be placed on the records of the -Kirk feseion, and of which a copy was forwarded to Mrs McKee ; also the appointment of a sub committee to carry out the desire of many that the expreesi n of regret at the lose of so gifted a man should take a substantial turn. This committee has met, defined, and started their work already, with much success. The following ie the minute forwarded to Mrs McKee on Tuesday :— " The members and adherents of this congregation desire to express to Mrs McKee their deep seres of the great loss they have sustained by the death of her beloved husband —their pastor—and their sincere sympathy' with her, her family, and his aged mother in thtir sore bereavement. They den're to place on record that, during the brief period in which he occupied the position of minister of the congregation, he, by hie loving manner, ss well as by his eloquent and faithful preaching, gained their highest esteem and warmest affection, and that his memory, as their first minister, they shall continue fondly to cherish through whatever change the congregation may pass. " The sadden removal of one to gifted and so eminently fitted to advance the cause of Christ is enshrouded in mystery, yet they cherish unwavering confidence in the wisdom and goodness of β-od, and believe that by his death an impression has been produced on their hearts in keeping with the spiritual profit they received during his life. " Their earnest prayer is that his bereaved widow may be sustained by the G-od of Comfort under the heavy stroke with whioh she has been visited; that she may be spared to train up her children in the footsteps of the departed ; and that the family, without one wanting, shall find a place at last in that bright and happy world to which, with wellgrounded hope, they believe her beloved husband has gone. "Signed on behalf of the Kirk Session, members of committee, and congregation, by "James Him. "Jambs Daniel Fkbgusson."