CO-OPERATION IN CHURCH WORK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9568, 26 October 1892, Page 4

CO-OPERATION IN CHURCH WORK.

In Dr Hislop's "History of Knox Church," just published, appears the following reminiscence of the manner in which the Presbyterians and Anglicans co-operated ia the good old days:—" The first Church of England clergyman settled ia Dunedin was the Rev. (now the Veu. Archdeacon) John A. Fenton, who arrived from Auckland in 1852. Mr Feuton continued in the active service of the ministry firstin Dunedin and afterwards in Waikouaiti, till his return to England in 1863. Ho proved himself a zealous, faithful, and ■ liberal-minded clergyman, and there being no other minister in the Waikouaiti district in those days, his ministrations were largely taken advantage of and much appreciated by members of the Presbyterian and other denominations, by whom he was held in very high esteem. He was succeeded in his Dunedin charge in 1859 by the Rev. (now the Yen. Archdeacon) -fc/uward George Edwards, who has from first to_ last maintained the most pleasant and friendly relations with the minister and congregation of Enox Church, and has often manifested his sympathy by his presence among them on occasious both of rejoicing and mourning." A footnote by Dr Stuart says:—"l have pleasure in stating tnat Mr Fenton assured mo thathis reason for declining to have his new church at Goodwood consecrated was .that there might be no hindrance to its being used for public worship by.the Presby teriaus. When the time came for organising a Presbyterian congregation at Waikouai ti, he not only gave me the use of the church for our first communion, but provided the elements, &c, attended the service, and entertained Mr James Hepburn and myself to dinner. In the course of the afternoon he said 'I have had pleasure in assisting you, for your people loyally attended our public services.' His kindness is engraven on my memory."