MATAURA PRESBYTERY.

Mataura Ensign, 25 April 1917, Page 6

MATAURA PRESBYTERY.

A pro re nata meeting of Mataura Presbytery was held -in Gore, Church yesterday, Rev. Pringle (Moderator), in the. chair. Rev. ■ Oscar Miohelson, missionary from New Hebrides, was present and was, welcomed by the Aloderator. MATAURA CHARGE. The position' in Alatauru charge was discussed, and it was agreed that Rev. Air Brown be granted six months’ leave of absence, and that the Presbytery express itself as being quite satisfied with the present arrangements lor supply. Rev. J. J. Clarke being appointed Aloderator. CALL TO REV. R, E. EVANS. A call from North-east \ alley congregation in favor of the Rev. R. E. Evans, of AVaikaka, was read. .Rev. J. AT. Simpson, being appointed to support the call, read a letter from Prolessor Hewitson giving reasons .why the call should be supported. The call was signed by over 237 members. Air Simpson, speaking in support of the call, spoke of the loss the Presbytery would sustain by Mr Evans leaving, of his own personal appreciation of Air Evans, and of the splendid work that he had done in AVaikaka. That congregation was in splendid heart and the work of God had gone forward in a wonderful way through the ministry of Air Evans'. Mr D. Alaslin, of AVaikaka. spoke ol the great help that Rev. R. E. Evans had been to'himself and to the parish. Ho expressed his very deep regret at the loss that they would sustain. Air J. Byars, of AVaikaka, spoke of the tremendous spiritual uplift that he and the whole parish bad received through the ministry’of Air Evans. 1 hey regretted very much the thought ol losing Air Evans/ The Presbytery clerk read a letter from Air Evans, expressing his willingness to accept the call should the Presbytery see its wav clear to place no obstacle in’ his way. Rev. J. Al . Simpson ' then led the Presbytery in prayer, and Rev. J. J. Clarke moved that the call he presented to Air Evans, and intimated that ho had been empowered by letter to accept the call on behalf ot Air Evans. Rev. A. Gow spoke of the mind ot the AVaikaka people on the matter, their deep sorrow at the thought of parting with their minister, and their prayer was that God might richly bless his future work. Other members also spoke. _ .... The Presbytery appointed Revs. MeNeur and Gow to draw up a minute of appreciation of Rev. R. E. Evans.

- OTHER BUSINESS. Rev. A. Gow was appointed convener of the Youth of the Church Committee in the place of Air Evans. Rev. A. Michelsen spoke expressing his pleasure at being present, expressing his gratitude for their prayers, and speaking of the wonder!ul way in which God had lead him. and of the blessing of God upon bis work. For 39 years be bad labored in the Islands and he looked forward to going back again to carry on the work that he loved.