CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7552, 15 May 1890, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY

An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held yesterday at St. Paul's Church schoolroom. Present—The Revs. P. B. Munro (Moderator), Dr. Elraslie, A. M. Beatcie, R. Eγwin, A. Blake, R. McGregor, Gordon Webster, J. W. (Jree, J. Maxwell, J. H. McKenzie, J. Smellie, D. D. Rogers, P. J. Riddle, N. McCallum and K. Adainson; Elders J. Boag, S. C. Farr, J. Deans, W. Gavia, Campbell and A. K. Allison. ■_ An apology was accepted for the absence of the Clerk (the Rev H. Irwin), who was unable to leave his house on account of illhealth. Elders' commissions were received from St. Paul's, appointing Mr S. C. Farr ; Ashburton, appointing Mr A. Orr; Leescon, Mr J. Boag; Kaiapoi, Mr Chas. Young; and Cust, Mr R. L. Higgins. The Rev. A. M. Beattie reported upon the deputation's visication to Meraingtqn and Tinwald. They found everything in a satisfactory state of progress. The report was adopted, on the motion of the Rev. R.Erwin, seconded by the Rev. Dr. Elmslie. The Revs. D. D. Rogers and J. Smellie and Mr J. Deans were appointed a deputation to visit Kaiapoi. The Rev. Dr. Elmslie submitted the report of the Commission which had visited Papanui and Belfast. As Belfast was not in a financial position to maintain a settled pastor, it was decided to recommend that the Rev, R. McGregor, of Kaiapoi, be appointed to open and conduct services at Belfast, instead of Papanui, and that the Rev. R. Erwin, of North belt, be asked to take charge of Papanui. The Rev. Dr. Elmslik, who moved the adoption of the report, said that the appointments were only recommended pro tern.

The Bey. A. M. Beattik seconded the motion, which vras carried, and it was agreed that the change should take effect on the first Sabbath in June.

In respect to the property belonging to the Church, the Rev. R. Macgregob gave notice of motion that a Committee should be appointed to ascertain full information concerning the- Church property within the bounds of the Presbytery. The Bey. J. W. Cree moved, as per notice—"That with the view of increasing the interest of our people in our church extension and Hebrides mission work, annual meetings be held in all our congregations, to which addresses will be given by two or more members of the Presbytery." The Rev. R. Ebwin seconded the, motion, - The Key. J. H. McKenzik moved, as an amendment—" That the Commissioners appointed to visit congregations be instructed to bring prominently before th 3 people the needs of the Church Extension and Foreign Mission Funds." The Bey. Dr. Elmslie seconded the amendment. .>.,•■•

The question elicited a long discussion, after which the motion was carried by nine votes to eight. . The Revs. R iErwin A. Blake, J. W. Cree, Gordon Webster, P. B. Munro, D. D. Kogers, J. H. McKenzie, Messrs Campbell, Boag and Parr were appointed a Committee to see the resolution carried out.

The Key. D. -McLennan wrote from Sydney that in consequence of the recommendation of two physicians he had to seek a change of climate if hewould.preserve his health. He was therefore compelled to place his resignation in the hands of the Chrietchurch Presbytery, which he did with regret. It was agreed to allow the resignation to lay on the table, and in the meantime a ietter of introduction be Riven him to the clergy in Sydney.

After disposing of some routine matters the Presbytery adjourned.