CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7863, 14 May 1891, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

ORDINARY MEETING.

An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held yesterday. Present Revs. Adamson (Moderator), H. Irwin (Clerk), P. R. Munro, J. Gordon-Webster R. Erwin, R. Tout, J. H. McKenzie Dr' Elmslie, P. J. Kiddle, D. D. Rodger, J. B Finlay ; Elders—Messrs A. Ritchie ' D Duncan J. Boag, C Young, J. McPherson,' A. Orr, R. Boyd, W. Innes, G. Croll The Revs. P. J. Westbrook, of Greymouth, and R. McGregor, late of Kaiapoi were associated with the Presbytery. ' Elders' commissions were received appointing elders as under :—St Andrews, Mi Geo Lroli; Rangiora, Mr J. Smith ; Kaiapoi, Mr C. loung; Southbridge, Mr J. McPherson.

The Rev. P. J. Riddle made an explanation concerning the state of matters, which were not altogether satisfactory, in connection with the Methven-Rangitata charge. He felt that unless by some means supply could be found to the end of June (he did not know how it would be paid) the congregation would collapse altogether. But if this supply were found and an appointment could then be made for three months matters would go on all right. The Rev. R. McGregor, who had preached 'the charge vacant, explained also that things were unsatisfactory. It would be needed to find supply while the promised arrangements were in progress, to provide all the congregation could foi- the Rev. MrFinlayson. It became a question whether that gentleman would accept this as a final settlement, because he felt that another effort could not be made there was such mismanagement. He suggested that the Presbytery should arrange for two or more supplies to tide over the time during which the effort was being made. It were necessary that the services ehould be kept up, else there would be a total collapse. Dr. Elmslie suggested that the Moderator (the Rev. Mr Riddle) should visit each portion of the district and try and appoint Committees, and thought it might be well to ask the Church Extension Committee to assist in providing supplies. The Rev. Mr Riddle replied that Committees could not be appointed while the present authorities were in charge, and explained why they declined to resign, which would obviate a difficulty. The Rev. H. Irwin did not think the Church Extension Committee would be justified in finding supplies. The Rev. Gordon-Webster felt with the last speaker, that the Presbytery had to proceed with patience, wisdom and tact.

After some further discussion the Presbytery passed from the subject. The Rev. H. liiwis submitted the report of the deputation appointed to visit Lyttelton. It was of a satisfactory nature. There were sixty families connected with the Church, to which the average attendance was 105. The records were neatly kept. There were eighty names on the communion roll, and the average attendance from thirty-five to forty. The number received during the last three years was— Seven in 1833, three in 1389, and twelve in 1890. The removals had been, by death and otherwise, fourteen, six .and eleven respectively. The average Sabbath receipts was from £3 5s and £3 10s. The annual income had been—lßßß, £514 9s ; 1889, .£333 Is Id ; 1890 £296 6s. The Commission recommended an increase of eldership, and more regular attendance of communicants, and urged office bearers and minister to try to get hold of the lapsed Presbyterian families. The report concluded in congratulation of the efforts of the minister and their generally successful results. • The report was approved.

The Revs. Munro and Rodgers and Mr J. Smith were appointed to visit Malvern. The Rev. Gordon-Wkbster reported on the visitation to Ashburton concerning the reduction of the ministers' stipend. A Conference had been held with the members and office bearers, and the Committee were of opinion that the new arrangement in regard to the stipend would not have been required in a happier state of things, and was therefore to be regretted. Yet it should be acquiesced in, as it had not arisen from a want of diligence or fidelity on the part of the minister, or from any deficiency which called for Presbyterial interference. The report was approved. The Rev. R. Erwin reported in respect *f a visitation to Sydenham that a circular had been drawn up and issued to the public, and he thought there was a prospect of Sydenham financial matters getting into a more happy condition from the issue of that circular. Between promises, conditional and unconditional, they could count upon £700, but it would take earnest effort to reach the amount aimed at. The people were hearing candidates, and felt that an early settlement of a minister would be great assistance.

The report was received. The Rev. Gordox-Webster reported on the Moderation of Leeston, and said that the Rev. Mr Grant, of New Plymouth, had been elected, and his name placed in the call, which was signed by 141 members and 49 adherents. The call was a unanimous one, legally and popularly. He placed the call on the table, and moved—" That it be sustained, and that the Clerk forward it to the Presbytery of Wanganui." This was seconded by the Rev. Dr. EiiMSLiE, and carried.. The Rev. Dr. Elmslie reported on the Moderation of Kaiapoi that a unanimous call had been made to the Rev. Mr Gow, of Reefton. The call was signed by fortyfive members and thirty-eight adherents of Kaiapoi, and twenty-three members and adherents of Belfast. He moved that the call be sustained, and forwarded to the Westland Presbytery. The Rev. J. H. McKenzie seconded the motion, which was carried. A letter was read from the Convener of the Assembly Committee on " Religion and Morals," suggesting that a conference be held within, the bounds on the state of religion and morals, special sermons be given on the evils of gambling, Sabbath desecration, and social impurity, that evangelistic services be held in connection with all the congregations within the bounds, that a date be fixed for a special sermon on family worship and the training of the young, and it was suggested that a deputation, consisting, say, of a minister and elder, be appointed to visit the congregations where special services were to be held. The letter was laid on the table. The Presbytery, in answer to a letter from the Rev. W. R. Campbell, of Waiau, approved of his action in taking steps, and appointing a Building Committee, under whose direction a church had been erected at Culverden, The Re-re. I>r. Elmslie, .Gordon. Webster, the Moderator, and Messrs Duncan and Mill TO SIP"* 1 * Comm ;" e Y J consider and report concerning the cLsposal of ft Slim of money which had accrued from tbe " High School Trust," a fund established to aid the education of sons of ministers. The Rev. W. Rodgers mentioned that Amberley was unable to stand alone as a charge. He suggested that it should be attached to Sefton, and that the Presbytery should take the matter in hand. The proposal would ia-rolve Ashley and Loburn being taken from Sefton and joined to Rangiora. . Some' discussion ensued on the subject, after which the Rev. Mr McKsszie moved— 44 That in the opinion of the Presbytery the district of Amberley be joined to the Sefton charge, and that Loburn and Ashley be disjoined from Sefton and united with the Rangiora charge, and that the Moderator of Amberley, the Rev. Mr Rodgers, be instructed to seek to carry out the above arrangements. The Rev. R. Erwtx seconded the motion, which was carried. The Rev. Mr Rodgers submitted from the Committee of the Amberley Church a resolution which asked that the Presbytery take steps to make the General Trust Act permissible, which was now compulsory. The modification was asked for re the investment of Church property under the several trustees. ~ ~ _ It was decided to allow the question to remain in abeyance. The Presbytery disposed of some matters of minor importance and then adjourned.