INDUCTION OF MINISTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20191, 31 August 1927, Page 6

INDUCTION OF MINISTER.

On Thursday last the Rev. W. J. Bevis, who has recently arrived from Canada, was - inducted into the pastoral charge of the Owaka Presbyterian Church. There' was a good attendance at the induction service, and at the social function which followed. The church was crowded, many coming from a long distance to be present on the occasion. The ceremony was carried out by a obmmission of the Clutha Presbytery, consisting of the Revs. W. R. Hume (interim moderator), A. M'Neur, and Roy Alley, with whom was associated the Rev. J. Ryley. The induction service was an impressive one. The Rev. W. R. Hume, who presided at the welcome social, in his opening remarks said that Mr Bevis came from the oldest and greatest of the British dominions to the youngest and fairest, his sponsor being the Rev, A. M'Neur-, and it said much for Mr M’Neur, as not often was a call sustained on the word of a friend. The Revs. J. Ryley, A. M'Neur, T. Weston, and R. Alley briefly welcomed Mr Bevis and his family to the country and to Owaka, and Messrs R. H. -Clapperton, D. Finlayson, and T. Barr voiced the cordial welcome of the congregation. In taking the chair, Mr Bevis stated that since leaving his home and friends in Canada he had travelled 11,000 miles, and althougl he bad been only two weeks in New Zealand and a tew hours in Owaka he had been overwhelmed with kindness, and had found evidences of goodwill and hospitality everywhere. He thanked everyone for their kind words of welcome. He trusted that he would have the hearty co-operation of every oiganisation and every member and supporter of the church, and that they would work together for the .glory of God. During the evening the Rev] Mr Hume and Mr T. Barr paid a tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr and Mrs W. Friend, who had for many years given hospitality to ministers on their Sunday visits to Owaka Mr Friend is the oldest elder of the church, and Mrs Friend the oldest lady member. Mr T. Barr handed to Mr B. Bryant a travelling rug for Mrs Friend and a walking stick for Mr Friend to be given to them as a slight token of appreciation. Mr Hume also received a cheque from the congregation in appreciation of bis services as moderator during the long vacancy. 1 Messages of congratulation were received from the Rev. G. Budd (Auckland) . the Rev. W. W. French (Kaitangata), and the Rdv. J. C. Paterson (formerly minister of the charge) and a message of sympathy and regard was sent from the congregation to Mr Paterson. Musical items were rendered by the choir and other friends, and at the close supper was handed round by the ladies. The heartiness and enthusiajm of the meeting augurs well for the success of the new minister. Mr Bevis, who comes from St. John, Canada, has been 18 years in rural and suburban charges in the Presbyterian Church which is now merged in the United Church of Canada.