TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8659, 23 October 1896, Page 2

TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Timaru met at Fairlie on Tuesday morning, when there were present—Rev. W. Gillies, Moderator, J. White, H. Kelly, W. J. Oomrie, J. Dickson, and A. B. Todd, and Mr S. McCully, elder. Mr James Wilson took his seat as representative elder for Mackenzie Country for the current twelve months. The Presbytery unanimously approved of the adoption of the Declaratory Act in terms of the resolution of Assembly as sent down to the Presbytery and sessions. Mr Kelly reported as to the cost ol hiring a magic lantern. It was decided that the operation ol the scholarship regulations be deferred, and the whole scheme be considered at next meeting of the Presbytery. Mr Kelly reported that Mr Finlayson was to remain at St, Andrew’s till the end of the year; that a manse was being built, and that the committee requested moderation in a call: The Presbytery expressed pleasure at the report arid agreed to the moderation of a call on Sabbath, 20th December* Mr Kelly to preach, and to report to next meeting of the Presbytery in January. Mr Kelly further reported that Mr McLean, of Waikakahi, had made a grant of 30 acres of land in the Waitaki part of the Waimate parish for church purposes ; and that the session and managers of Waimate congregation requested the Presbytery to erect the Waitaki part of charge into a sanctioned charge, and that application be made to the Chnrch Extension Committee for a grant. The hearty thanks of the Presbytery were given to Mr McLean for his handsome gift; and the Presbytery acceded with pleasure to the request of Waimate, and erected Waitaki into a separate sanctioned charge, Mr Kelly being appointed Moderator. The clerk was instructed to communicate with congregations that had not paid the assessment for the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund, and draw their attention to the regulations of the Assembly on the subject. Mr James Campbell, student in divinity, who had taken his arts and theology courses in Edinburgh, and had been engaged in teaching in New Zealand, laid before the Presbytery his certificates, and applied to be taken on trial for license. The application was forwarded to the College Board, with certificate from the Presbytery as to personal character, and in the event of the application being granted that a committee consisting of Messrs lodd, Dickson and Comrie prescribe trials for license.

The overture on vacancies was postponed for consideration at next meeting of the Presbytery. In the afternoon the Presbytery mel with the office-bearers, Mr Wilson representing the Session, and Mr McLean the Managers. The following resolution was adopted, “ The Presbytery having taken into consideration the information given in answer to the several questions to the minister and the representatives for the Session and Managers, expresses satisfaction with the general state of matters in the congregation. It sympathises with the minister in the difficulties connected with work in such a widely scattered charge ;.and prays that his faithful services may be crowned with success, is glad that he is supported by men in sympathy with him in his work, and suggests an increase in the eldership if possible ; finds that the financial affairs are carefully attended to, but that it would be advisable to make more frequent collection of subscriptions; impresses upon the young the duty and privilege of early consecration to Christ, and urges upon all to maintain their interest in divine things, so that the spiritual life already manifested may continue and grow, and commends all to the grace of Almighty God, praying that His favour may ever rest upon them.” . It was reported that the records were well and carefully kept. In the evening the Presbytery met with the congregation, of whom a good number were present, and addresses were delivered by Mr Gillies, on Presbytenanism ; Mr White, on the Church an j ress * Mr Todd, on the Family; and Mr Kelly, on Decision and Consecration. Mr Comrie proposed and Mr Wilson seconded a vote of thanks to the Presbytery for their presence and work that day, which was carried unanimously, and the Presbytery adjourned to meet m Timaru on the first Tuesday in January,