ROSLYN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22053, 8 September 1933, Page 10

ROSLYN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

INDUCTION OF NEW MINISTER REV. H. A. MITCHELL WELCOMED. The Presbytery of Dunedin met last evening in Roslyn Presbyterian Church for the purpose of inducting the i Rev. H. A. Mitchell into'the pastoral charge of the congregation. The Rev. H. J. Ryburn, moderator of the presbytery, presided,' and conducted divine worship. The Rev. A. W. Armstrong preached the sermon, taking for his subject " Perseverance in the Spiritual Life." He reminded his hearers that after receiving the gift) of the Holy Spirit the disciples of Christ scattered abroad at the dawn of Christianity. The receiving of the spirit meant that there was growth. There was no such thing as standing still in the spiritual world. Growth in Nature was silent, and it also denoted previous life.

It "waa 'so in the spiritual sense, and in that sphere a suitable environment for growth was as essential as in Nature. The speaker emphasised the need for the congregation regularly assembling itself and of seeking the secret places. He proceeded to show how their faith would manifest itself in the work of their Lord and Master. The Rev. Dr Cumrning then related the steps that had been taken towards the settlement of a minister in Roslyn since the Rev. E. J. Tipler had been inducted into the charge of Mount Eden (Auckland). The result was that Mr Mitchell had received a unanimous and hearty call from the congregation. The moderator proceeded to put the questions laid down in the Book of Order for such occasions, and he then led the congregation in prayer. Afterwards he inducted the Rev. H. A. Mitchell into the pastoral charge of the Roslyn congregation, in token of which he was given the right hand of fellowship by the members of the presbytery. The Rev. George Miller addressed the newly-inducted minister, taking as his text, I Timothy iv., 16 (Moffatt), " Watch yourself and watch your teaching; stick to your work; if you do that yen will save your hearers as well as yourself." He exhorted the minister to nourish and keep his own inner life and to watch closely his relationship with the world around him. He urged him not to neglect the culture of the soul through prayer and the study of the Word. He also urged the minister to watch his teaching, and to be sure to give to his people the whole counsel of God. "You must,'" he said, "have a clear conception of man's need and of how Christ meets that need. As a pastor you must go about doing people good with a sympathetic heart in their troubles and sorrows." On behalf of the presbytery, the Rev. A. Watson congratulated the congregation on the happy settlement of its new minister, and he proceeded to address helpful advice to the members and adherents. The congregation must realise its responsibilities, he said, as the success of the minister's work depended largely on its attitude towards him. He reminded the congregation that on its part there was need for definite prayer, a regularity of attendance at the Sabbath services, and a due regard for supporting the church with their substance. He nsked for the congregation's consideration towards the minister in the matter of giving him time for study and meditation, and also to cultivate a spirit of friendship towards him. In conclusion, he pleaded for co-operation, as the success of the church depended as much on the members of the congregation as upon the minister. During the service suitable hymns were sung, and the choir gave an attractive rendering of "Hark, my soul, it is the Lord."