RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9738, 28 May 1897, Page 3

RANGIORA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The ordination and induction to the charge of the church of the Rev. Alexander Doull, M.A., took place on Thursday after- ? oon in presence of a large congregation, including visitors from Ashley, Kaiapoi, Cust and other districts.

The Rev. W. J. Gow, Moderator of the congregation, presided. Tho Rev. R. McCu__y opened the service by inviting the congregation to join in singing part of Psalms of David, xix., ••God's law is, perfect, &c." Tho rev. gentleman then engaged in prayer, and read as a lesson from Leviticus, chap. 16th. Hymn 280 from Church Praise was then sung, and the second lesson taken from the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, chapter 7th, on tho Leviticaland Christian priesthood. Frona the 25th verse he took the text for the sermon, «• Wherefore he is able also to serve them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing that he ever maketh intercession for them."

Hymn 107 from Church Praise having been sung, The Rev. W. J. Gow announced to the congregation that the Rev. A. Doull had been given a unanimous call and there being no objection to his ordination that servioe would be proceeded with. The Rev. A. Dor/LL having answered tha questions put by the Moderator as to con* lession of faith and subscribed thereto, he j was ordained by the laying on of hands with • solemn prayer, the ministers present being th« Rev.*. W. J. Gow, Gordon-Webster, R. j McCnlly, R; Erwin, A. A. Wright, A. H. I Treadwell, and James Doull, and Mr Carr, j a member of the Synod. The Moderator declared the new pastor of Rangiora duly ordained and elected, aftes I which hymn 367 was sung. The Itev. R. Erwin addressed the new minister, and- the Rev. A. M. Whisht, I Moderator of Presbytery, addressed tha adherents.

Hymn 45 was then sung and the Doxolony pronounced, concluded the pro* ceedings. In the evening a publio tea was given in the Institute Hall, which was densely crowded. Trays were given by Mesdames J. Johnston, C. Carmichaol, D. Buddo, Duncan, Rogers, Trottor, McGibbon, Marshall, Jennings, Keir, Ross, Anderson and Miss Alexander, and the bachelors. ", -

The public meeting to welcome the new minister was largely attended. The- Rev. A. Doull, M.A., presided, and expressed hia pleasure at the cordial welcome accorded, which he concluded was an augury of the kindness and assistance which he might expeot to receive'at their hands. He looked upon his call among them as being for their mutual benefit, and on his part nothing should be wanting to enlist their cordial cooperation in the cause of promoting Christ's gospel in their midst and for the advancement of the Church. The other speakers were :—The" Revs. F. P. Fendail (Episcopalian), T. G. Can* and J. Dellow {Methodist), J. Lamb (Baptist), Capt. Allison (Salvation Army), Revs. D. D. Rodger, Cust ; R. MoCully, Sefton; W. J. Gow and J. Donald. Musical selections were suag by the choir of the Kaiapoi congregation. Great credit was due to the Committee of Management and Mr Jennings, Mayor, for the excellence of the arrangements of the day, and hearty votes of thanks to the speakers,' the Moderator, the Committee, the ladies and the choirs con eluded a most successful meeting.