WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12315, 9 December 1925, Page 6

WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY

REV. CATHERWOOD’S CALL EUIOGISne SPEECHES HADE THE NEW MODERATOR A meeting of the members of the Wellington Presbytery took place in St. Andrew’s Schoolroom last night. The Rev. John Aitken ' Allen was elected as Moderator for the next six months. The Rev. McMasters then vacated the chair, and Mr Allen took charge. Mr McMasters thanked all present for their generous help during the time when he acted as Moderator. The Wairarapa Presbytery wrote asking for information regarding the called offered to the Rev. L. Thompson. and for information regarding his allowances. Mr McKay said that there had been too much delay With Mr Thompson’s case. After discussion it was decided to forward the information with the request that the Presbytery expedite the •natter to the Wairarapa Presbytery. CALL FROM TURAKINA A call from Turakina to the Rev. R. H. Catherwood was read. The call was signed by 47 members and 95 adherents. The Tin akina parish by obtaining so many signatures showed how much they , wanted Mr Catherwood. Over five-sixths of the congregation appearqd_tb desire his acceptance, NCbe Rev. John McCaw. in speakingsaid that Mr Oatherwood’s departure would cause a great loss to bis parish. Mr W. Littlejohn also eulogised the good works of Mr Catherwood during bis term of office. He was, said Mr Littlejohn, a man who could, and did command the greatest respect. He had always devoted the whole of his time to help his congregation, especially the young people. Mr Catherwood then spoke. "No one,” he said, “could find sufficient words to describe the congregation of the Kilbirnie Church. They are gentle folk of the highest order.” With the exception of his days in camp, Mr Catherwood’s happiest days had been spent in the Kilbirnie Church. Mr Catherwood stated that much as he' disliked having to leave this town bis strength would not permit of his remaining apd working in such a large parish.

After, prayer by the Rev. Shirer the "call” was plaoed in Mr Catherwood’s hands by the Rev. John Allen, who spoke a few words of svmpathy to the departing minister. Mr Catherwood 'Mien thanked one and all for their kind words. It was then decided that he should await further instructions. The pastoral tie will be dissolved immediately be is inducted into the new church. The date will he about the 15 th inst. The Rev. John McCaw having been received into the Wellington Presbytery was appointed interim Moderator for Kilbirnie. A RESIGNATION A notice from tbe Rev. L. McMaaters, Brooklyn, was redd, in which it was stated that he wished to resign from his charge. The resignation will lie on the table until his congregation is acquainted with the facts. ' A committee will be appointed to confer with Mr McMasters in Older to ascertain his reasons for resigning. The committee consists of the Moderator, the acting-clerk, the Rev. Shirer, Mr Hopkirlt, and Mr Clark. Mr Malcolm Gibb, a applied for a license to be a minister. A committee will be appointed to inquire into his qualifications. Various committees ware appointed for the ensuing six months. In connection with the departure of the Rev. S. R. Orr to the pastorate of the Central Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Canada, the Wellington .Presbytery placed on record an appreciation of his good works, especially the wonderful work done by him during tho 1918 influenza epidemic, and his great efforts after the church Was burned down.'