BAPTIST CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22125, 1 December 1933, Page 16

BAPTIST CHURCH

SOUTH DUNEDIN BRANCH At the South Dunedin Baptist Church last night the induction service for the new minister, the Rev. T. R. Page, Nvas held in the presence of a large congregation. The chair was occupied by the Rev, H. E. Edridge, chairman of the Otago and Southland Auxiliary, in .the absence through indisposition of the'Rev. C. Dallaston. After the singing of a hymn, the Rev. A, Anstice offered up prayer, and the Rev. H. R. Turner read from Scripture. The chairman made a few opening remarks, and the choir, conducted by Mr C. J. Darracott, sang the anthem “ Stand Up For Jesus.” The Rev. H. E. Edridge then delivered the charge to the new minister, referring to the pleasure' it gave him to welcome Mr Page to the that would fall to his lot at South Dunedin. Mr Page was standing on the threshold of his life’s work. That work was full of glory, yet not free of difficulties and disappointments. The Baptist Church was not run by any clique, but by the people for the people. • All must have a fair hearing; the majority must rule, and only that state could maintain the sweet harmony that existed in the church. The charge to members of the church was given by the Rev. E. S. Tuckwell, who reminded them that, while there devolved on the new minister high and holy responsibilities, there also devolved high and holy responsibilities on the people who had’called him to the church. He charged the people to_ create such an atmosphere that their minister would ever be able to do his best. The minister would sense that atmosphere, and .it would largely determine th e potency of the message he had to give. The people must trust their minister; they must encourage him, and he would need that encouragement. The minister must be given full liberty in the pulpit. The Holy Book he would expound was capable of varied interpretation. Their minister would tejl the people what he believed to be the interpretation of that book, and if the people were Baptists they would not forget to give him full liberty. The principle of freedom of interpretation of the Book was a principle for which their forbears had laid down their lives. Mr Tuckwell also asked for the new minister the prayers of the people and their co-opteration with him in his work. The Rev. T. R. Page, in a brief address, thanked the people for the call they had sent to him and for the welcome they had accorded not only to him, but to his wife. The dedication prayer was given by the Rev. G. C. Reay, and the congregation sang the hymn "Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun.” At the close of the induction service a social hour was spent with singing and addresses. Words of welcome were given to the Rev. Mr Page by Mr E. Carter (who spoke on behalf of the deacons), Miss L. Ings (deaconesses and Baptist Women's Missionary Union), Mr W. I. Ashton (school and Bible classes), Mr Sotting (endeavour societies), Mr A. Young (Life Boys and Girls’ Brigade), and Mr C, J. Darracott, secretary (church members and choir), and happy replies were made by Mr and Mrs Page, Presentations were made to the Rev, A. R. Wallace (who, with the Rev. Mr Dallaston, had supplied the pulpit during the 10 months’ time since the departure of the Rev. S. Jenkin) and Mr Inwood (who took the mid-week services). A presentation will be made to Mr Dallaston at a later date. The choir sang a couple of anthems (“Jubilate Deo” and “Jesus of Nazareth ”), and vocal solos were contributed by Mrs Scott. An address was also given by the Rev. F. L. Smart, of Mosgiel. Refreshments were handed round, and members and friends took the opportunity of meeting Mr and Mrs Page.