PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH EXTENSION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6473, 25 November 1881, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH EXTENSION.

A meeting of persons interested in the work of church extension woe held last evenlag. in the schoolroom attached to the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. There was a moderate attendance. The Bev Charles Fraser, as the oldest minister present, was voted to the chair. He explained that at the instance of the Presbytery it woe proposed to resuscitate the Society which was established in 1871, and which flourished for a considerable period, new city congregations being established by its agency. It was thought that a like good work might now be accomplished in some country districts. The rev gentleman detailed the mode in which the work of tho former Association woe conducted, and gave eome interesting reminiscences. In tho course of his remarks ho made it apparent that a very large amount of success was achieved, and that tho operations of tho Association covered on extensive area, many districts being supplied with probationers or ministers. The Bev A. M. Beattie, Ashburton, road a letter from tho KovN. M'Oollum, Oxford, apologising for his absence. Mr Beattie then read the rules of the former Association, and concluded by explaining that through some misunderstanding this meeting bad not been notified from tho pulpit of 6t Paul’s Church. The Bev T. B. Cairns spoke in support of the movement, at the same time pointing out that as the minimum stipend recognised by the Presbytery as adequate for one of its ministers was £260, and as there was not a little difficulty in getting this sum guaranteed in country districle, a Booiety of the kind in question was an imperative necessity. Ho moved—" That a Society bo formed on tho same basis, and under the rules of tho previous Canterbury Presbyterian Association." The Bev A. M. Beattie seconded tho motion, which woe carried unanimously. A Committee woe then appointed to revise tho rules, so as to suit their phraseology to existing circumstances. The Committee included the ministers present, together with several of tho laity j and it was understood the Committee would report at a future meeting, recommending office-bearers. Tho adjourned meeting to be hold In January. The proceedings then terminated.