CONFERENCE IN ST. JAMES'S HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6570, 7 December 1882, Page 6

CONFERENCE IN ST. JAMES'S HALL.

The Presbytery at its rising adjourned to half-past seven p.m. in St. James's Hall. "The Elder and his Work": The Rev. R. Sommerville read a paper on the subject. The essay traced, the history of the office, described its functions, and illustrated the importance of the office by many Scriptural references. The elder had more power for good than even the minister, in promoting Church work, Church attendance, visitation. The paper was well received.—The Rev. T. Xorrie, Mr. T. Maetiarlaue, and the Rev. Mr. Monro addressed the meeting.—Mr. Peter Mackay and the Rev. Mr. Fraser also addressed the meeting. The Rev. Mr. Fraser. in speaking of Episcopacy, said that of all Protestant Churches, the Church of England had been the greatest friend to power, oppression, and tyranny, but Presbyteriauism hadal ways been the friendof liberty. (Applause.)— The Rev. J. Maeky thought it was always desirabls to acknowledge any modification in the forms or worship of sister churches. The Church of England had ceased to be the "hierarchy" it once was. Both the Church of England and the Wesleyan had grown more and more like Presbyteriauism in process of time.—The Rev. P. Mason (seconded by Mr. Gorrie) moved a. vote of thanks to the lecturer, and made a suggestion that the essay should be printed in the next number of the Church News. The Rev. G. B. Monro announced that the Sabbath-school examinations would be held in February next. Subject : " The Gospel of 3t. Mark and the last 36 questions of the Catechism." Tho Presbytery adjourned to the 10th of January, ISS3, at ton o'clock, a.m.