MEETING AT THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8362, 16 September 1890, Page 5

MEETING AT THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE.

A MEETING of the members of the Baptist Tabernacle Church was hold last evening, which had been convened by the church officers, in order to take into consideration the relations of the pastor (Mr. Birch) with the church, more especially in connection with the events of the past week or so. About 250 to 300 wore present. It was understood from Pastor Birch's published statements that he intended to leave himself in the hands of the church, to take what action they thought fit, but it is understood that shortly before the meeting he informed the church officers that he intended to preside throughout the proceedings. When the meeting was formed, Air. Birch took the chair. He was requested repeatedly to retire, for obvious reasons, but he declined to do so, and declare' his intention to remain there till the fir n. He stated in the opening proceedings that he would not open his mouth if the proceedings were to find their way into the newspapers ; that the whole affair should be regarded as a family party, andstrictlyprivate; the officers and members to refuse any 'nformation to the representatives of the press. Mr. Birch in the opening proceedings then made a full and unreserved apology regarding everything, and to everybody, and expressed his sincere regret for his indiscretions and injudicious proceedings. He undertook in the future to forswear politics, cease going about the country, undertaking work outside his own church, and would ' devote himself strictly to the duties in connection with his own people, and work with and co-operate with his church officers. At a later stage he expressed deep regret that Air. Abbott had occupied the platform. He (Mr. Birch) had meant well by it, but it was all a mistake. One of the deacons made a statement as to the recent negotiations with the pastor, and said that the officers had never worked with him, almost from the first, and that matters had got worse of late, and for their peace of mind and Mr. Birch's it was better he should retire, as no peace was possible in the church under present circumstances.

After a desultory discussion, a member ' moved a resolution to the effect, that as Mr. Birch had made an unreserved apology and expressed a desire to act differently in the future, that the past be overlooked, aud another opportunity be afforded Mr. Birch to get into harmony with the church. In order to test the feeling of the church, another member moved, " That Mr. Birch be requested to resign." In order to prevent members being deterred from voting freely by the presence of the pastor in the chair, an attempt was made by those favourable to the motion to have the vote taken by ballot, but this was defeated by the opposing section, and on a show of hands it was declared that 77 were for the pastor's resignation and 97 against it. A large number refrained from voting, and a number left the building during the evening dissatisfied with the whole proceedings. Mr. Birch asked the 77 to withdraw their opposition, so as to make the vote in his favour unanimous, but they declined to do so, and made preparations to leave the hall, whereupon the Benediction was hurriedly pronounced, and the meeting broke up. The meeting was the liveliest that has ever been held in the history of the Baptist Church in Auckland, and the plain speaking unparalleled. The cheering could be heard up at the Karangahape Road. In order that there should be no mistake about the apology and the line of conduct Mr. Birch intended to pursue for the future, it is said that the whole of these matters were again repeated, and that Mr. Birch stated that the terms of his agreement to work harmoniously would " include the registrar of seats and the chapelcleaner."

We understand that it was stated in the meeting that 35 families notified that they would not require their sittings, and it is understood the majority of the church officers will resign. One of them has been made so ill through the affair that ho had to bo taken from the meeting at an early stage and removed to his ' ome. The subject of the finances of the church came up during the evening, and Mr. Birch stated that if he had known how they were lie would have been prepared to have contributed or remitted part of his salary.