DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

Evening Star, Issue 8614, 7 September 1891, Page 2

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

A special meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery was held in the First Ghuroh Hall at eleven o'clock this morning; present—Revs. W. Will (moderator), A. Finlayson (clerk), D. Borrie, R. Waddell, J. M. Sutherland, D.JDutton, A, P, Davidson, and Dr Hunlop; also Messrs Patterson, Hutton, and Thomson, elders. RAVENSBOTJBNE, The chief business was consideration of a call from Reefton to the Rev. B. Hutson, of Ravenßbourne. The clerk read a letter from the Westland Presbytery enclosing the call from the Reefton congregation, the folfollowing reasons being given for proseouting the call:—"(1) The unanimity of the call, accompanied with the offer of L 250 as stipend, being LSO in advance of what has been hitherto paid. (2) The importance of Reefton. Reefton contains a population of over 2,000 souls, and is more likely to increase than decrease, while the Presbyterian element includes a considerable section of the community. (3) The field is one requiring an energetio and earnest evangelical minister to overtake the crying demands of the people, which qualifications, it is believed, are possessed by the minister of their choice." Messrs R. M'Culloch and William Reid, present as delegates from the Ravensbourne congregation, acquiesced in the acceptance of the call. Rev. Mr Hutson being formally called on to declare his mind, said that from what he had seen at Ravensbourne, and what he had seen at ReeftOD, and from what he knew of the people and the sphere of labor in both places, he thought he was more suitable for Reefton than for Ravensbourne, and he thought it was the will of Qod that he should go to Reefton, He would therefore accept the call if the Presbytery sustained it. Rev. Mr Bobbie having engaged in prayer for guidance, The Presbytery unanimously agreed to the motion of Rev. Mr Sutherland, seconded by Rev. Mr Durrou, to sustain the call.

The Moderator (addressing Rev. Mr Hutson): The Presbytery have unanimously agreed to place this call from Reefton into your hands. lam sure that as a Presbytery we in some respects regret very much that you are leaving our bounds, During the Bhort time you have been among us you have endeared yourself to all the members of Presbytery, arid made us feel a cordial and persobal interest in your welfare. At the same time, considering the difficulties you have had to contend with—difficulties arising from the decreasing population and other causes—l dare say the members of Presbytery think, as I do, that you are taking a wise step in aocepting this call. On behalf of the Presbytery I wish you all succeßß in your new sphere of labor, and may God bless you in all your doings. Rev. Mr Hutson having formally accepted the call, It waß agreed that the Rev. Dr Dunlop should be appointed Moderator at Ravensbourne, and that Messrs R. Heany and W. H. Ash be assessors, and, with Captain Thomson, form a Session; Dr Stuart to preach on Sabbath first and deolare the pulpit vacant. As to future arrangements, Dr Dunlop said that he believed the Ravensbourne people would manage thtags pretty well for themselves. The general idea seemed to be that Mr Ash's services would be acceptable. It was resolved to leave the matter of supply in the hands of the Session, to report to Presbytery in a month's time, st. Andrew's. Plans of St. Andrew's manse were forwarded for inspection. This Bubject comes up for consideration by the congregation to-night.