Church Union.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 252, 1 November 1901, Page 2

Church Union.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

Dunedin, last night. The Northern Synod held its final meeting to-day. The Itev. Mr I’attorson reported conferring with the Union Committee, and said that the Southern Church had agreed to drop the clause embodying the articles of union, which the Assembly Committee did not think should appear in the Act of Parliament owing to future possible complications. The Committee expressed its thankfulness to Almighty Cod for the successful conclusion of its labors. Mr Patterson formally moved the adoption of the Act by the Assembly. The Itev. Mr Norrio (Auckland) seconded the motion, expressing pleasure at the t consummation of the union, which was originally inaugurated in Auckland. Tho motion was carried amid applause without dissent, the Doxology being sung with, much fervor. The Itev. .Mr Mackenzie then introduced a deputation from the Otago Synod, and intimated that the latter had received the Assembly's decision with applause and tho singing of the Doxology. Cater. - The Northern Presbyterian Assembly and Synod of Otago and Southland having concluded their business to-day, the consummation of the union took place this evening in the Agricultural Hall, which was crowded long before tho time fixed, about ( 7.:>0. The members of the Synod occupied a front stair, leading members being jn the stage, while in the back were massed choirs. Ministers’ wives and friends occupied seats, and those immediately outside were occupied hv minisand elders of tho uniting churches. Tho proposed procession was abandoue 1 and members entered in the ordinary way, the loaders being applauded as they were recognised. _ The moderators of the Assembly and Synod severally constituted their bodies, after which the members of both Assemblies appointed Jfr Sidey, of Napier, interim clerk. He laid "on tho table documents relative to the union. The itev. \V. Will moved the adoption of tnc L niting Act, outlining the progress of the church since his arrival, when the late Hr. Burns was the only Presbyterian Minister in the South Island.

The Itev. Dr. Sidey seconded the proposal, mentioning several respect-- in which he expected benefits to arise. The I -nion motion was adopted amidst applause. The moderators then sinned the United Act.

The Itev. J. K. Elliott announced the accomplishment of the 1 nion, and in token two of the moderators exchanged handgrips. This was followed by the sin'dri" of the Hallelujah Chorus. The ltev. Elliott then constituted Union Assembly.

The ltev. Jus. Paterson, Wellington, proposed the election of the ltev. .las.

Uibb as moderator, reading a message to the Assembly which had been dictated by the Ilev. Mr Duncan, Boston, father of tiie Northern Church.

The Itev. W. Hewitson soeonded the motion, and also dwelt on the spiritual qualifications which Gibb possessed for the position.

The motion was carried with acclamation, and the moderator elect retired, and was conducted hack to the stage by his proposers, amidst loud cheering. 0 He was robed in moderators’s robes presented him last week. The moderator then gave an address of an hour's duration on the duty of the United Church to preach Christ, to readjust the policy and doctrine of the Church, and to bring it into conformity with the present ago. The ultimate idea should ho federation of all churches. He appealed to members to personally <-onseeratc themselves to the service of the united church. lie resumed his seat amidst prolonged applause. The proceedings terminated with a resolution of thanksgiving, moved by Dr Erwin, and seconded by Mr D. Borrie. The whole proceedings were marked by solemnity and a feeling worthy of the history occasion,