PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT HAMPDEN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1111, 10 November 1879, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT HAMPDEN.

| INDUCTION OF THE 11',3V. SIB. SUMMERS. On. Tuesday last, the 4fch inst., the Presbytery of Oamaru met at Hampden, and inducted the Rov. Mr. Summers into the pastorate of the. church. The attendance was very f air. The Rev. Mr. Cameron preached., and thereafter put the questions to the minister-elect, to which he gave satisfactory answers. He was then admitted to the pastoral charge of the congregation, and received the right hand of fellowship from the members of the Presbytery. The Rev. Dr. Stuart from Dunedixi being present, was requested by the Presbytery to address the minister and congregation, which he accordingly did, and at the close of the interesting service Mr. Summers received a cordial welcome from the members of the congregation at the door as they retired. In the evening a very interesting and successful soiree was held in the church, which was Literally crammed. After partaking of the good things kindly and liberally provided by the ladies, interesting and profitable addresses were delivered by the Revs. A. B. Todd, John Christie, John Steven, J. Eyley, and John Cameron, interspersed with sacred songs, which were well rendered by the choir. The usual votes of thanks were tendered at the close, and the people dispersed evidently pleased and profited. Altogether this promises to be a happy settlement for minister and people, and will doubtless prove a boon to Hampden. j SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. The annual pic-nic of the Hampden Presbyterian Sunday School took place on Friday last, under the superintendence of the newly-inducted minister, the Rev. J. Summers. The party met at the church at 10.30, where a short service was held. It then proceeded in marching order to the grounds at the rear of the manse—a lovely spot, and one in every ; wa3' suitable for the occasion. Here the j teachers and the pastor contributed to tba pleasure of the children by instituting , various games, interspersed with bur cake, tea, lollies, and other things, f nu t children—and grown folks, too—die' in, the programme having been fen? tiated by a substantial and welcome repay t. At the conclusion of the day's, par© ce edir.»s their pastor gathered the choldir n ai -ouiTd him and delivered an appsogria' addvess. after which the children* saruy a Shall we gather at the river,."' audi ? < ' p ra y er W as offered up. There \sej:e ally 250 in all present, and they present®-' _[ a very pre tty sight as they proceeded; to the scene 0 f their enjoyment, gtuvvy.-if their banners and flags. Of. goux'S;o we nee( j not say that everyone- preset highly pleased with their outing..