MERTON PRESBYTERIANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23331, 25 October 1937, Page 9

MERTON PRESBYTERIANS

SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SERVICES HELD The completion of 70 years of service in connection with the Merton Presbyterian Church was marked by special celebrations which were commenced yesterday morning. Both services were conducted by Dr E. N. Herrington, and there were large congregations on each occasion. At the morning service the preacher congratulated the church, which he said, “ stood like a city set on a hill,” on the long period of faithful work in the district for the cause of the kingdom of God. In the year 1867, Dr Herrington continued, the Rev. W. Johnston, Dr Burns, and Dr , Stuart were living, and the people should never forget the debt they owed to the pioneers of religion and morality in Otago. One recalled the services of the Revs. J. Christie, J. C, Jamieson, A. M. Finlayson, and J. Wilson, as well as many others who had contributed to the life and work of the church in the vicinity of Waitati and Waikouaiti. The sermon in the morning was based on the text in St. Luke xii, 32: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” and in the evening Dr Herrington preached on “The Recognition of Jesus Christ,” as expressed in three texts found in the Gospels, which repeated the phrase "And they knew Him not” —St. Mark vi, 33 and 54 and St. Luke xxiv, 31, The jubilee celebrations will be continued to-day, when a picnic and annir versary banquet will be held.