UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19582, 11 September 1925, Page 10

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

INDUCTION CEREMONY. There was a very large gathering injlie TAiitAid Congregational Church in King -.(root last night when Hie inductional ccremouv’ef Hie Rev. <’. Mailland Ellis* to the position of pastor of the church took place. Tin' Itev. W. launders officiated. Hie introductory portion of the induction consisted of' musk: by the congregation and choir, and the reading of a portion of the Scriptures. 'Pile tlioir, which was under the direction of Mr W. R. Sinclair, sung the “Gloria,” from the Twelfth Mass exceptionally well. . 'J lie Rev. N. 11. Finch gave a very brief address in tiie oflice and duty of ministers, of Christ, and how; the people should receive them, for tlioir works suite. Ho cm. piiasised tho necessity of attending loathe admonition as to the course to pursue. 1 lie pastor must preach with power, so as to make his hearers certain of their hearts. Jlis preaching must have power to console, and to renew 01.1 effort, to sacrifice, in the cause of Christ. Addressing (ho members of tho congregation. Mr Finch said that the inini-tcr’s Jirst businoss was not to savo himself, hut to save others. Their pastor could not do very much single-handeri. Christ Himself had not attempted to redeem Palestine unassisted. Let membera bo workers; let them put, (heir armour on; let I hern do some lighting, and engage in this holy war. if they prayed he believed that Cod would do great tilings for them. Mr J. 11. Wilkinson, in outlining I lie steps taken to secure (lie services of Mr Kiliss, snid Hint Hie officers of Hie Church had entered into negotiations with friends in England, and were not aide to get into touch witli just I tic individual (hey required, and (hey tried elsewhere. In the end Mr Elliss was mentioned to theln. The office-bearers of tho church got into touch with friends in Queensland, and (he result of inquiries made was very satisfactory. They found Hint Mr Ellis was just tho man they wanted, and it was finally agreed that Mr Elliss should receive "a call, the vote being unanimous, A message was then sent to Mr Ellis, supplying him with all particulars, and the call was accepted. The induction ceremony was then conducted by Hie Rev. W. Saunders, and an induction prayer by the Rev. C. Dalliiston followed. Deacons of the XTiited Church and members of Hi district committee pre.se.nte 1 to rheir new minister Hie right hand of fellowship, and this concluded the formal portion of the ceremonial. The Rev. C. Maitland Elliss then addressed (hose present in reply. The choir sang Jackson's “To Deum” exceedingly well, (he hymn “O Hod. Thy children gathered hero” was sung, and Hie ceremonial concluded with the Renedictieii being prono'nneed by i lie Rev. Mr Elliss. Mr Ron. Abernethy officiated at the organ.