A CALL ACCEPTED.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 447, 4 March 1909, Page 6

A CALL ACCEPTED.

REV. W. MARSHALL AND HUTT. Tho call to tho Rev. William Marshall, of Lower Hutt, from the Balfour charge, Southland, was dealt with at a meeting of tho Wellington Presbytery yesterday, morning. The Rev. Dr. Gibb (moderator) presided. The Rev. J. Gibson Smith, speaking for the Balfour people, said he thought that there was a likelihood of a strong Presbyterian congregation being established at Balfour. The call was a very cordial one, and had not been sought by Mr. Marshall. ' Mr. M'llvride, representing the Hutt congrogation, said that they would not place any obstacle in tho way of Mr. Marshall's departure.

The Rev. W. Marshall sni,d that ho intended to accept the call. He'thdnked his brethren for the assistance they had given him and theii Drotherly feeling. He recounted some developments which had taken place in tho charg« since ho was appointed to it seven years ago, and referred to the much increased salary which was now offered to a minister. Tho Church membership had fallen from 35 per cent, to 40 per cent, during the past 12 months, but that was owing to tho departure of Presbyterian families from the district. Other Presbyterians had come, but they had 6ettlod near the railway station, a long way from tho church, which was very badly situated for tho convenience of worshippers. He had tried to do his best at Lower Hutl, and the session and a majority of tho managers had done their best to help him. ' It was generally agreed_ that tho church was situated in a baa position. The Rev. W. Shirer moved that tho call bo placed'in Mr. Marshall's hands. The Rev. A. Thomson (Ketone) seconded tho motion, and referred to the conscientious manner in which Mr. Marshall lifld ministered at Lower Hutt. Mr. Marshall then formally accented the call. It was decided that tho pastoral tie betweon the minister and Lower- Uutt bo dissolved as from March 17. Tho Rev. A. Thomson (Potone) was appointed moderator at Lower Jlutt.