CHALMERS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13996, 31 August 1907, Page 12

CHALMERS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Tho annual business mooting of the Glialmors Presbyterian congregation was held in tho churoh, Lower York place on Thursday evening. Tho Kcv. Duncan Maclonnan, M.A., presided.

Mr A. Hamilton road tho Session's report. Tho Sabbath servicoa liacl boon uninterruptedly conducted by Mr Maclcmwn, excepting for an occasional exchange. In addition to tho morning sermon, ho frequently preached a sermcncttc to the children, and on the last Sabbath of every month ho conducted a mid-day Gaelic service, which was highly appreciated by the v-cltic residents in the City, who attended .regularly. The prayer meetings had been •fairly well attended, and the communion roll showed a email increase on that of the previous year, whilst nine infants were added to the fellowship by tho ordinance of baptism. The Session was glad to say that mi fil , U P ontinucl ' as precentor. i ho. Sibbath' school, under the able superintendence of Mr John Watson Smith, with a staff of six teachors, was doing'good work, and the pupils iiad token nart in tho reeont. examination in Scripture and tho Shorter Catechism. Some of them also "'rote cesays on "Tho Pilgrim's Progress." I hose examinations were valuable as tending to focus the mental powers of iJio scholars and stimulate them to greater diligence in their studies.

Tho Deacons' Court, and treasurer's reports showed commendable liberality on the Dart of the congregation to the several •unite of the church, and the Gaelic sustcntation fund, subscribed by friendlv Highlanders, was gratefully acknowledged. Gifts of a clock and footboard and stool wore also thankfully recorded. Mr Robert Fleming's rragnation a s treasurcr-a position which ho filled since the formation of the con"re-gation-was received with regret, and a unanimous vote of thanks wae accorded

him for his long, faithful, and eflieicßt services as church treasurer. Mr Donald M'Phorson was elected in his stead. It wis mentioned -that as all the Bittings in tho church wore free, and that source oi revenue consequently not available, and a.v liesidos, a reserve fund tliat had helped hitherto was nearly exhausted, a little more than tho usual liberality might be needed, in future. There was. a live movoment irt Presbyterian congregations just now to largely increase the Bustenkttiou fund, and all wage-earners were enjoined to. become subscribers to. this fund. A short review was given of the history of Chalmers .Church congregation,- which, stood for true-bluo Presbyteriaiiism, without the use of hymns, instrumental irfesie, choirs, organs and organists, individual cups at communion, or the newly-proposed liturgy. Tho Psalms of David and the Scriptmc paraphrases wore quito sufficient for tho public praises of 'the sanctuary. ' The innovations had nottprc.-. vented tho lapse ,of uiiprecqdcntcd numbers of the population from church attendance, and neyer woqld. Although eallctl innovations, tliey were but a recrudescence of devices belonging to the Dark Ages, which had to be swept out Keformersatthe establishment of Pxflsbytcrianism in Scotland. Chalmers Oliurch was fortunate in having as its.. minister one of tho most learned men in the colony, as well as one of tho most methodical and instructive' preachers, arid both -(church and minister deserved all the support,'moral and pecuniary.'/that could bo given them. Speeches were delivered bv Mr Maciennan and Mr '.Donald. M'Pherson, and the meeting ( closed. bv psalm-singing and the benediction.