PRESBYTERY OF DUNEDIN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7318, 30 July 1885, Page 4

PRESBYTERY OF DUNEDIN.

A pvo re nata meeting of the Presbytery was held in the vestry of the First Church yesterday. There were present — The Revs. A. C. Gillies (moderator), A. M. Fmlayson (clerk) Bannerinan, R. Sutherland, Michie, Cameron, J. Sutherland, Drs Salmond and Stuart, and Mr 7. Mackay.

The MoDEHAxon explained thai the meeting had been called to consider the steps necessary to be taken regarding the charge of the First Church.

It was resolved—" That the Key. A. M. F:nlayson should preach in the church next Sunday and declare the pulpit vacant." _ On the motion of Mr J. Mackay the Key. Dr Salmond was appointed moderator of tho session.

The following minute was recorded:—" The Presbytery desire to place on record their deep sense of the loss sustained by the Church in the removal by death of the Rev. W. H. Gualter. After a brief ministry of six montlis in the First Church it has pleased the Head of the Church to call him to his rest. The Presbytery humbly submit to the inscrutable providence of God, in the earnest hopt; that this dispensation may be overruled for good. The Presbytery record their high estimation of the personal worth and ministerial earnestness of their departed brother shown both here and in his services in other spheres of labour prior to his arrival in New Zealand. Tho Presbytery deeply sympathise with tho widow and family of Mr Gualter, and with tho congregation of the First Church hrtheirsore bereavomoii t, all of whom thcyprayerfully counsel to the grace and care of Him who said: " I will never leave thee nor for.salce thce.' "