MINISTER INDUCTED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 62, 6 December 1930, Page 10

MINISTER INDUCTED

Island Bay Baptist MR. BOGGIS WELCOMED With a solemn and impressive service, the induction of the new minister, the Rev. C. B. Boggis, took place at the Island Bay Baptist Church on Thursday evening. The church was crowded. Mr. Boggis was recently ordained in the Tabernacle, Auckland, at the conclusion of four successful years’ training in the New Zealand Baptist College, Remuera. During the service the Rev. W. Lascelles offered prayer, the Rev. J. L Crozier gave the Scripture reading, and numerous letters and telegrams were read as greetings from various churches and prominent ministers of the Gospel. The chairman, the Rev. W. S. Rollings, then called upon Dr. J. J. North to deliver the induction address. “This is a most solemn moment of the church,” said Dr. North, “a moment when we are brought to realise how human love clings around the Church of Jesus. The Church is passing under the governance and guidance of a permanent minister, which she has been without for three years.” “You have been called,” he said, addressing Mr. Boggis, “to a great high and holy adventure in which your people will co-operate with you in being partners together. Your ministry shall be a ministry to shape life, a ministry of hope and power. You are charged with a gospel, not with a philosophy, or a science, but. with a gospel of God’s redeeming grace. You are to preach this gospel with authority: it is the good news of life eternal which sets all the bells of heaven a-ringing. Derive your message from the Unseen, seek to be clothed with God Himself, for yon have a message to tell that is unshakeably true —the Christian’s gospel is God’s truth. Paul calls ministers ambassadors, announcing to rebels the good news. You are charged with a message of peace from tlie King to be proclaimed.” The choir sang the appropriate anthem “How lovely are Thy messengers,” after which the Rev. W. S. Rollings addressed the people and appealed to them to stand by Mr. Boggis. “Multiply his usefulness. re-enforce his spiritual power, and enrich his ministry.” said Mr. Rollings. The church then rose and sang a chosen hymn in acknowledgement of their dedication to this service.

Mr. Boggis made a brief response, saying that it was with unspeakable joy that he entered his life’s work. ' He had been through preparation and anticipation. and now it was realisation. He realised the great honour bestowed upon him in being a minister of the Gospel. The meeting then adjourned to the , social hall, where a presentation was made to the Rev. Ivan Thomas in acknowI lodgement of his services. Mr. Thomas I has received a call to the Lyall Bay Bap- | list Church. After an official welcome to Mr. Boggis, supper was served.