LAY READERS' UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10509, 5 November 1895, Page 2

LAY READERS' UNION.

The first annual meeting of the Lay Seadera" Union waa held bn Saturday afternoon. Evenisoiig was said in St. Paul's Cathedral, at which agood number of lay readers, including several from various parts of the country, were present. The clergy officiating were the Right Reverend the Bishop of Dunedin. the Rev. Canon Robinson, M.A. and the Rev. laiac Richards, M.A. (warden ot beiwyn College). The address was given by the Bishop, who traced the history of the order, showing that it was instituted in the primitive days of the church, particular reference having been made to it in the Council of Chalcedon. He went on to Bay that he had for a long time desired to form a union of the lay readers of tho diocese, and now that the cathedral had-been established the time seemed ripe for snch an organisation, as the cathedral would actually be its centre and homo. He explained the duties devolving on the lay reader In his work, stating that the appointment of such aa order showed that the church recog- \ nisen the priesthood: of the laity, although tbis must.not be confused With the sacred orders of pishopj, priests, and deacons. In particular, he Urged upon all the necessity of so modelling their lives and. actions that nothing might occur to lessen the value of their work for God and His Church. 'After the service a general meeting was held, the Rev. Isaac Richards, M.A.. in the chair. The following officers were elected:—President, tha Right Reverend the Bishop of Dunedin; vicepresident, the Rev. Isaac Richards, M-A. (warden of Selwyn College); committoo^-Mr A. Hamilton Dr Robinson, Mr H. W. Wilson; secretary, Mr William H. Bronrne (Selwyn College, Dunedin). After an adjournment for tea, the meeting was continued a« Selwyn College, when Mr H. W. Wilson read a very interesting paper on "L»y Readers and their Work." The series of meetings was closed on Sunday morning with a corporate nouimmiion in the cathedral at 8 o'clock, the Rev. Isaac Richards, M.A., being celebrant.' v