MATHURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 17347, 19 May 1913, Page 2

MATHURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

INDUCTION QF REV. TT. W, BROITO The Mataura Presbytery met at Mataura Church on the 16th for the purpose of inducting- the Rev. W. W. Brown, of Stirling, to the pastoral charge of the Mataura Presbyterian Church. There was a large congregation present, besides the following members of the Presbytery:—Revs. W. P, Evans (clerk), W. Hain, J.. Collie. Dl McLennan, J. W. Simpson, and T. Gaston, Messrs Telfer and Lowden (elders), and the Rev. A, Sangster (moderator), who presided. The Rev. J3. Culliford preached th<4 induction sermon from Romans VI, k “What shall w« say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid;” The preacher went on to show that the knowledge of sin was neither an incentive nor any help to overcome it. It was a specious argument nowadays for the sinner to knowsomething of sin so that he might cone quer it and know how to combat it. Sin was man suicide —it meant the atw sence of all that was God-like in the human life. Christ’s religion meant progress, moving away from the old things to the visions that lay beyond. The Moderator then recited the steps that had .led .up to-the call, and submitted the usual questions to the Rev. W. W. Brown. After the Rev. J. M. Simpson had engaged, in prayer.,the Moderator declared the Induction of the Rev. W. W. Brown into the. pastoral charge of Mataura. Tiie Rev. D. McLennan, M.A., addressed the Minister and the Rev. J. Collie, M.A., the congregation, both addresses being characterised by deep thought, earnestness, and suitability to the occasion. The afternoon service closed with the Benediction. In the evening a welcome social was held, and the church was packed id every part. The Rev. A. Sangster (Moderator) again presided, and on opening congratulated the congregation on the very large attendance that night He referred to the harmonious and pleasant manner in which the call had been promoted, and the perfect unanimity of the congregation. He also congratulated them on the choice of their minister, whom he characterised as one of the best men in the south, and urged them to work loyally with him and support him in every good work. He believed their call would result in splendid work being done in that congregation. The Rev. J. M. Simpson (GoreL said that he was delighted to be present, and on behalf of the Presbytery, he extended a hearty welcome to Mr Brewa' Mr Brown was a Southland boy, and it was natural that he should spend his best days in the south. Mr Brown contravened the common expression that calls were for larger stipends, for in this case he was coming to a less stipend. He congratulated the Mataura people on the hearty and unanimous selection of so good a man. They were indeed fortunate, and he hoped they would loyally stand hy him. Mr John Gray and Mr John Lowden. elders, both extended to Mr Brown a hearty welcome on behalf of the congregation. The Moderator then vacated the chair, which was occupied by .Mr Brown, who was received with applause. He said he had to thank the Presbytery and the office-bearers and the congregation for their kind reception. He felt very grataful for the hearty welcome. He cam* before them without any plans or projects, but to submit to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was an essential thing for the children of men, and he was there to teach, to preach, and to live that Gospel. He asked them so to live that Gospel that they, together with him. might commend it to others. Ho asked them to recognise him in tho street, whether he recognised them or not. They all knew him, but he might not know them. Another thought ho commended :o them was that the church was their church, cur church, not tho minister's church. " Talk up your* church,” said he, “and act ns if you fell it was your church. You will he more likely to take a, deeper interest In it. Po no act in a disparaging way, but try to help forward everything for the good of the church.. Be constant in prayer, and working together unitedly God's blessing will rest up u us." Mr T. J. Bull, late of Mataura. said he felt that one tiling that would make for the welftire of that congregation and every congregation was to let Christ's authority be supreme in their lives, not to let machinery or form take the place of reliance upon the Master. The Revs. Gaston. Culliford, and Hain each added their congratulations, after which Mr John Lowdan presented the Rev. A. Sangster with a cheque in recognition of his services as Moderator during the vacancy. Votes of thanks wore accorded to all who had contributed; to.the speaker by Mr Gray; to the choir by Mr Balncaves: to the ladies by Mr .Gilchrist, and to ibe selection committee, making special mention of Messrs Lowden and Gray, by Mr Park.— From Our Own Correspondent.