PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 69

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND INVERCARGILL, August 26. The Otago and Southland Synod of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand opened its annual meeting in Invercargill this morning at First Church. This is the first occasion that the deliberations of the synod have been conducted outside of Dunedin. There were present about 50 ministers and 20 elders. The roll having been read by the synod clerk (Professor James Cumming, of Dunedin), the retiring moderator nominated his successor, the Rev. W. J. Robertson, of Wailtiwi. Mr Robertson, before assuming the moderator’s chair, said he regarded his selection as moderator in the light of an honour to the Presbytery of Southland, of which lie was a member. He appreciated the honour because of the history behind the Presbyterian Church in Otago and Southland and surrounding the Free Church of Scotland, of which it was a daughter. He hoped their work would be productive of good results, and that in future such meetings would be in the nature of a conference which would send the ministers back to their homes and charges with renewed inspiration for their work.

The clerk moved that the synod direct the Church Property Board to pay threefifths of the surplus from the Education Fund to the John M’Glaehan Presbyterian Boys’ College and two-fifths to Columba College for girls.—The motion was seconded by the Rev. J. J. Kearney (Ravensbourne) and carried. The Church Extension Committee’s report was presented by the Rev. D. Herron (Dunedin). It stated that the resolution carried at the last meeting of the synod against overlapping was forwarded to the Dunedin District Executive of the Methodiet Church. It was cordially received, and a committee was appointed to confer with representatives of the Presbyterian Church.—The adoption of the report and the appointment of a committee to consist of the Revs. J. Kilpatrick (convener), W. Trotter, R. G. M'Dowell, D. Herron, and Messrs W. H. Adams, J. M. Dick, and A. A. Campbell, was seconded by the Rev. E. J. Tipler. —The Rev. J. Chisholm asked if anything had been done with regard to co-opera-tion with the Methodist Church. It would be considered a good thing if there were some way of meeting the Methodist Church so as to ensure that no other church should come in and minister to a section of the people who might not agree with the process of amalgamation of the weaker charges.—The clerk said this was being kept in view. A conference was to be held now that a more definite understanding as to procedure was being arrived at, and he thought a better arrangement in various districts would result.— The motion was carried.

The report of the Theological Hall Committee was presented by the Rev. E. J. Tippler. After having delivered the report, Mr Tipler moved—“ That congratulations be conveyed to the principal (Dr Dickie) on the publication of his book, which has been so favourably received as

a valuable contribution to theological learning.” Expressing his admiration of this work, Mr Tipler said it had been received with interest, and was regarded as a work of outstanding value. Concluding, he paid a tribute to Dr Dickie’s 22 years’ association with the Theological Hall. —The clerk, who seconded the motion, said that Dr Dickie’s book was such as would add to the prestige of the church.

It .was agreed that the next annual meeting of the synod be at Dunedin on Tuesday, August 23, 1932. The factor’s accounts showed that grants to churches sanctioned but still unpaid amounted to approximately £3500. The clerk stated this indicated that about £l7OO less than last year was outstanding. The accumulated arrears in this respect were being steadily paid off. Later in the day the Rev. A. B. Kilroy, on behalf of the Presbytery of Oamaru, asked for a ruling by the synod in regard to the stoppage of grants.—The clerk replied that no applications were to go through until the deficits had been made good — The Rev. W. M’Lean, of Oamaru, said he wished to differ. He asked what would have to be done in the case of a church that had been damaged in a storm. — Ihe clerk said he understood the congregation could go ahead and make the necessary repairs and when the time came apply for what was required.—Mr W H. Adams said that as a member of ’the Synod’s Finance Committee he would heartily support an application from a congregation that had taken its courage in its own hands and gone ahead.—lt was decided to refer the matter to the Finance Committee of the synod. The Finance Committee was re-elected in toto, the personnel being as follows:— The Rev. J. Kilpatrick ( convener), Dr Cumming, Dr Merrington, the Revs. W.

Trotter, E. J. Tipler, J. D. Smith, R. G. M Dowall, Alexander Watson, Messrs W H. Adams, J. M. Dick, J. Russell, R. Miller, and A. A. Campbell. Following the presentation of the Jhcologicaal Hall Committee’s report, the following motions standing in the name of the Rev. E. J. Tipler were carried:— Dr J. D. Salmond be appointed to the instructorship in religious education ino lie theological Hall as from August 1, 1931, his status and duties to be determined by the Theological. Hall Committee in collaboration with the Assembly’s Youth Committee, and that the Church Board of Property be authorised to transfer the necessary amount from' the Ecclesiastical Fund to the College Reserve rund to meet the salary.” ‘That the following be the Theological Hall Committee:—The Revs. J. Pringle, J. J. Cairney, A. C. Standage, G. H. Jupp, J. Kilpatrick, W. Trotter, H. J. Ryburn, J- D- Smith, J- W. M'Kenzie, R. G. M Dowall, T. Miller. H. H. Barton. J. G. S. Dunn, D. C. Herron. E. J. Tipler (convener), with Professors F. W. Dunlop, T. D. Adams, J. R. Elder, and Messrs W. Allan and H. P. West.” The synod decided to amend the regulations under the Otago Presbyterian Church Board of Property Act, 1906, concerning grants for- manses, churches, theological colleges, and literary chairs in the Otago University as an interim act to be confirmed at the next annual meeting of the synod. The following were appointed a Bills and Business Committee:—The clerk (convener), the Rev. R. F. Fish, Messrs J. M. Dickens and J. Russell. The evangelical addresses in the evening were impressively given by the Rev. W. fj.lf ean and the Rev. George Miller (North-East Valley, Dunedin), and in the ensuing discussion the moderator, the Rev. A. M'Neur (Milton), Mr J. S. Baxter, and the Rev. John Johnston (Dipton) took part.