CONSUMMATION OF THE SCHEME.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXV, Issue 170, 25 July 1901, Page 2

CONSUMMATION OF THE SCHEME.

A GREAT FUNCTION.

Keceived July 25,9 aitn. Sydney, July 24.

To-day was an. epoch-making day for Presbyterianism, when the union of a great Church was consummated. The ceremonies were worthy of the occasion, and such a representative gathering as assembled in the Town Hall to witness the great deed done was never before seen in Australia.

The Rev. Dr Cameron, Moderator of tb.3 New South Wales Assembly, presided, and was supported by moderators of other assemblies in cap and gown. Delegates of Scottish and English Presbyterian Churches were present, and the great Hall was crowded by ministers and representative laymen-

After the singing of the 100 th Psalm and prayer, the scheme of the union constituting the Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia was read amidst impressive silence. The Moderators of the New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and West Australia Churches appended their signatures, the Chairman declared the union consummated, and the First General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of Australia was formed, amidst a burst of enthusiasm.

The installation of the Rev. J. Moiklejobn, of Victoria (who since 1892 has acted as Convener of the Union Committee, and has taken a prominent part in bringing it to a successful issue), as Moderator of the General Assembly, followed. •

The new Moderator, in a thoughtful speed), traced the history of the union movement. He expressed thankfulness that God had enabled them to enter into union, because he believed the work of tho churches, which was a matter of common interest, should be done by united effort, which was more likely to be effective. The union had needed some sacrifice of sentiment, but not of principle.

In the evening there was a great public meeting in the Town Hall for the reception of the visiting delegates —Rev. Theo. Marshall, of tho Church of Scotland, Rev. Thos. Whitelaw, Rev. Professor Iverach, and Rev. Lewis Davidson, of the United Free Church, and Rev. Geo. Hanson, of the Presbyterian Church of England. The Rev. J. K. Elliott, Now Zealand, was expected, but failed to put in an appearance. The heads of the Wesleyan, Congregational, and Baptist Churches were proicnt. The Lieut.-Governor was to have presided, but was prevented, the Rev, Dr Cameron taking his place The speeches delivered by visitors and others were congratulatory

on the union.