INDUCTION AND SOIREE AT A VONDALE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7515, 19 December 1885, Page 6

INDUCTION AND SOIREE AT A VONDALE.

Tub Presbytery of Auckland met in the church at Avondale on Thursday, at three o'olock, and inducted the Kev. Alexander McKenzie, M.A., 8.D., to that vacant pastorate. There were present: Revs. A. Carrick (Moderator), R. Sommerville (Clerk), R. F. Macnicol, A. M. MoCallum, and D. J. Steele. The meeting having been constituted by prayer, the Clerk called three times for objections to the life or doctrine of the minister-elect, and none being made, the Rev. D. J. Steele proceeded to the pulpit and preached the induction sermon from Psalm 139, verses 23 and 24. Tho Clerk then put the usual questions to Mr. McKenzie, and these having been satisfactorily answered, the Moderator offered the induction prayer, and then formally induoted the now minister to the charge of Avondale. Mr. McKenzie was then charged in regard to his duties by the Rev. K. F. Macnicol, and the charge to the people was delivered by the Rev. A. M. McCallum. At the close of the service the newly-inducted minister recei ed a hearty welcome from the people as they retired from the church.

A soiree in celebration of the event was held in the Avondale Hall in the evening The tea-tables were provided by Mesdames Sinclair, Hepburn, Archibald, Johnstone, Forsyth, and Todd, and by the bachelors. A hymn* having been sung, and a blessing asked by the Hev. Mr. Macnicol, a hearty tea was partaken of, and the tables were then removed, when the hall was com' fortably filled by the friends of the cause, some of whom had come many miles to bid the new minister welcome. The late minister, Rev, R. Sommerville, presided, and after tho singing of the anthem, "I will arise," by St. Peter's choir, introduced his successor, vacating the chair in bis favour, and wishing him many years of happiness and prosperity in his new sphere. Mr. McKenzie then took the ohair, and thanked all those who had taken part in the warm reception that had been accorded to him. He would do his best in his new sphere, and he hoped to be supported by those among whom his lot had been cast. Mr. Morrison, on behalf of the congregation, addressed a few words of welcome to their new minister, assuring him that he would have around him a few zealous workers, and that others were just waiting to be enlisted. Mr. McKenzie then expressed a desire that Mr. Sommerville should re-occupy the chair, and conduct the meeting, which he did, and the following programme was carried out:—Solo, " When Thou passoet," Mr. H. Fell; solo, "Reign of the Roses," Miss H. Palmer address, Rev. D. J. Steele; duet, violin and piano. Misses Palmer; solo, "Sailing," Mr. Morton address, Rev. A. M. McCallum; duet, "The Echo," Miss and Master Jones; solo, piano, Miss F. Gilmer } solo, Miss Archibald (who was enoored, and responded with another solo); address, Rev. R. F. Macnicol; anthem, "My Voice shale Thou hear," St. Peter's choir ; duet, violin and piano, Misses Palmer; address, Mr. John Buchanan ; duet, "Larboard Watch," Messrs. Fell; hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers," St. Peter's choir.— of thanks were then accorded to the ladies who had provided the tables ; to St. Peter's ohoir, for providing the musioal portion; and to Mr. Thomas A. Norrie, student, who had supplied the pulpit faithfully during the vacancy. The Doxology was then sung, and the pronouncing of the benediction brought a very pleasant and successful meeting to a closo.