ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9111, 20 July 1888, Page 6

ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

SOIREE AND CONVERSAZIONE. The anniversary of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was celebrated last night by ' a soiree and conversazione, combined with a concert, at the Choral Hall. There was a very large gathering. The tables were in splendid order, and most liberally provided by the , ladies of the congregation, and were presided over by Mesdames Carrick, Bewes, Pyrie, Bain, Davy, J. Reid, Skinner, Frater, Cuthbertson, M. Clark, McDonald, Thompson and Kerr, Misses George, Gilbert, Tait and Keillor. Messrs. Ellison and. Brock provided a bachelors' table, over which Miss Campbell and Mrs. W. F. Jones presided. When the cloths and tables were removed, the regular business of the meeting and the concert commenced. The Rev. A. Carrick presided, and in his opening address, -he gave a graphic history in a brief compass of the history of Presbyterianism, its sufferings, martyrdoms and triumphs. He concluded an able address by saying he had a: great respect for Episcopacy, but ,he -had" a "greater love for their own church government. He loved the Presbyterian banner, and would uphold it as long as he had strength to do so ; and, for his own part if, by renouncing Presbyterianism, he could become the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Pope of Rome, he should refuse, and prefer the simple pastorage of St. Andrew's Church. (Cheers). . ' , Addresses were also delivered by the Rev. Scott West, Rev. D. W. Runciman, and .Mr. A. Bell. .: ; .

" An interesting feature was a presentation to one of the oldest , church members, and the , oldest - church officer, in Auckland, Mr. . James Sims, who has been for the last 40 years caretaker of the church. He is now 87 years of age, and incapacitated by old age from further duty. The presentation to this faithful servant consisted of a handsome arm, or rather easy, chair, made of polished rimu and covered with Morocco leather. There was also an enlarged photo of Mr. Sims, prepared by Mr. Josiah Martin, and handsomely framed, the chair and frame being manufactured by Messrs. George Bros., of Shortland-street. Accompanying the presentation was the following letter : —

Auckland, July 19th.Dear Mr. Sims. At a meeting of the Managers' Court of St. Andrew's Church held on the 10th instant the subject of your retirement from the position of Church Officer of St. Andrew's was taken into consideration, and a motion relating thereto, of which the following is a copy, • was carried unanimously : This Court desire to place on record their regret that Mr. Sims finds it necessary to retire from the duties of Church Officer of St. Andrew's, and their high and cordial appreciation of Mr. Sims' long and valuable services in that office, which he has held uninterruptedly with great acceptance and faithfulness for about 40 years, and their best wishes for his future welfare, in which this court and congregation will always feel a kindly interest, and it is directed that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr. Sims with the best regards of the Court." In forwarding to you the copy of the resolution as above, we have much pleasure in hereby conveying to you the best wishes and regards of the court and we remain, dear Mr. Sims, yours very sincerely.— A. Carsick, Minister; James A. Haslett, Clerk of Session; John Rkid ■Treasurer; J. A. McArthuu, Clerk of Managers Court.