CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8480, 11 May 1893, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held at St. Paul's schoolroom yesterd»y morning, when there were present the Revs. D. D. Rodger (Moderator), R. Erwin, G. Webster, \V. J. Gow, J. M. Simpson, B. J. Westbrooke, J. B. Fin , ay, H. irwiu (Clerk), P. J. Riddle, W. Grant, A. M. Wright, A. H. Treadwell, W. West, R. Tout, J. Maxwell, and Messr* A. Ritchie, A. Scott, D. B. Bowie, R. Oakley (Elders). The Revs. N. McCaUum, W. iinlaysou, and Geo. Hunter were also present.

The following elder 3* commissions were received:—Messrs l>. B. Bowie, St. Andrews; R. C. Barn, Southbridge; C'arr, Seftou; R. Oikiey, Rakaia; \V. Johnstou, Leeston ; Geo. Vogau, Akaroa. The Rev. W. Grant, on behalt of the Commission appointed to visit the North Belt oongregakiou, reported that they met the minister, session, and managers of the congregation on March Bth. From the answers received to the prescribed questions the Commission had every reason to believe that the minister, the Rev. R. Erwin, was faithfully and with much acceptance carrying out hie share of tne congregational work, and that the various Cnuroh organisations were in a flourishing condition. The minister conducted botu morning and eveniug services at the North Bali, and in the afternoon at Papanui. There was a fellowship meetiug held on Sabbath iuorniog, and in connection with the Sabbath School there were advanced Bible classes. Besides a Baud of Hope, a very successful Literary Society was conducted. The session, wnich contains seven members, appeared to be diligent in looking after the spiritual interests ot the congregation. The church had suffered in common with mauy of the Cauterbury churches trom the exodus to Australia and the North Island duriug the past lew years, but, notwithstanding, tuere was a considerable increase in the membership during the three years under review. Wiihiu the last eighteeu mouths £200 had been paid oif the debt on the The minister's stipend was paid regularly. The commission strongly recommended that steps should be Ukea at the very earliest convenience to provide a residence for the minister.

Toe Rev. Gobdox Webster moved the adoptiou of the report, and s<wu it would be gratifying to the .Presbytery to hear such a good report. They had au etficieut minister at the North B-lt, and tUe report was outy such au one as they might exuect. He referred to the manse question, and said that in the congregation were a number of prominent business men who knew what was best to be done, aud the Presbytery could not uoe anything like pressure. The Presbytery would, However, be pleased to hear ot efforts being made to erect a mause. The Rev. W. West seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Rev. A. M. Wkight, on behalf of the Commission appointed to visit St. Andrew's congregation, reported that they met the miuisier, -session and deacons' court ou Maj 9ih, that the work of the Church was carried" on in a very efficient manner. The most cordial relations existed between the minister and his cession and deacons' court, aud the greatest harmony and good feeling pervaded the whole church. A deep and growing interest was evinced in the services-*tf£xhe church and the Sabbath school was conducted by: an able and devoted baud of teachers. Tue Band of Hope was in a prosperous condition, and calculated to do good work in training the young in temperance principles. The Ladies' Work Society had been in operation for a time, which ;beaid;s aiding the funds of tiie churcli by the sale of work filled the place of a Do;ca9 Society, aud would by "and by take that character exclusively. The communion roll during the last three years had been added to considerably, although, during the re-building of the church the congregation, was at a disadvantage in having to meet in the V.M.C.A. Hull, and since the return to the church there had been au accession of thirty-tive. The iunds of the Church were in a healthy condition, the total collected for all sources iv 1392 wa* £1169 14s 10d. The sum of over £2000 had been expended in re-building the church, leaving at present a Bank overdraft of £360, which was practically covered by subscriptions not yet due. • The Rev. A. H. Tkeadwelt. mo 'ed the adoption of the report, and expressed the gratification of the Presbytery at the erection of such a handsome church free of cost.

The Rev. R. Erwin seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The Revs. W. West and W. J. Gow and Mr A. Ritchie (elder) were appointed a Commission to visit the congregation of St. Paul's.

A letter was read from the Rev. R. Tout stating his intention of resigning the charge of Sefton, and asking the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral lie. The Rev. R. Tout said the chief reason he was resigning was the difficulties regarding the church property, aud he suggested that a commission be appointed to inquire into the matter.

It was decided that the Revs. Gordon Webster (Couvener), R. Erwin, D. D. Rodger and Mr A. Scott be appointed to inquire iuto the matters referred to by Rev. Mr Tout and to report to an inhunc effectum meeting of the Presbytery on May 31st. The following were reported Sabbath school eKamiueift-:—The Revs. A. H. Treadwell (Convener); -Webster, Erwin, Wright, Simpson, Grant,Gow, West, Maxwell, and Riddle.

A discussion took place upon the methods ot conducting the examinations, and it was decided that the Committee meet and consider the matter prior to the examinations^ A petition was received from the Central Committee Springburn congregation praying for aa adjustment of the accouuts between them and the separated district of Rangitata. The Rev. B. J. Wbstbro6ke supported the petition, and suggested that the matter be referred to a number of business men to adjust. v .•■*■ It was resolved that the accounts be referred to the Moderator of the Raugitata congregation, with the recommendation that the amount owing by Rangitata be paid. • It was decided that the Presbytery assessment of the Methven congregation in arrear pribr to 18§2 be remitted, and that the assessment on the new charge of Rangitata be 10a. The Rev. W. Finlaysojt reported what had been done regarding the holding of services at Charteris Bay and Teddington by himself and Mr VV. Gavin. The thanks of the Presbytery were accorded to the Rev. Mr Fiulayspn and Mr Gavin, and the hope was expressed that they would be able to continue the services. The Presbytery then adjourned, and afterwards met as the Foreign Missions Committee. ____^^______^_