CALL TO CLUTHA

Evening Star, Issue 18623, 2 May 1924, Page 3

CALL TO CLUTHA

REV. J. (J. PATERSON ACCEPTS OWAKA. [SpsciAt to the 'Star.'] CHRISTCHURCH, May 1. Christchurch Presbytery met to-day *o consider a call from Owaka K.lntha Presbytery) to tho Rev. J. C. Paterson, M.A., of Lincoln. The clerk (Mr Howes) read the call from Clutha Presbytery, and also its reasons for the call. It- was stated that Owaka was a comparatively new district, and -required a man of Mr Paterson's organising ability' and attention to I lie work of visitation.

Mr Howes gave some particulars uf Owaka district, in supporting the call on behalf of Chitha Presbytery. He regretted losing Mr Paterson from Christchurch Presbytery, as ho bad won a high place in the esteem of and they would be sorry to lose him. The Rev. R. M. Kybimi also spoke regarding tho progressive character of the Owaka district, and said that the people there were tired of young men being sent there as a kind wf stepping stone to oil impositions. They wanted a man like Mr Paterson, who would help them. Mr J. W Kiugan (Lincoln) read the resolution of the session regretting the probability of losing Mr Paterson, and placing on record its appreciation of his long and faithful ministry, extending over seven years. Both the session and tho congregation raised no obstacle to Mr Paterson accepting the call._ Messrs J. Prebblc and W. Fleming, representing Prebbleton congregation, conveyed a similar resolution from that congregation. Mr Paterson said that lie was willing to accept the call, and spoke of the good feeling existing between the congregations and himself. He had not been in the best of health for some time, and considered that a change would bo beneficial. The Rev. J. Dickson moved that the call be placed in Mr Paterson’s hands. This was agreed to, and Mr Paterson accepted the call. It was decided that the pastoral tie be dissolved from tho date of Mr -Paterson's induction to Owaka, about June 12.