CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 18078, 3 May 1919, Page 2

CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

FROM PULPIT AND PEW, Jr It was in a flash of divinity upon him that Peter discovered his own ioss of manliness. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. The Divine man, looking with the clear eye of truth upon him, revealed Peter to himself. One look of the Lord of Glory was enough to convince him of sin. He remembered, and went out and wept bitterly. . . . Not a word was spoken. God does not need to speak to judge us. He will only need to look upon us.—Newman Smyth, D.D.

The following resolution has been passed by the Mataura Presbytery, a copy of which will be transmitted to the presbytery of South Canterbury and one to the widow and family of the late Rev. Jas. I. Clarke: — The Presbytery of Mataura learns with deep regret of the lamented sudden death of the Rev. James I. Clnrkc, of Waimate, formerly a prominent member of this Presbytery, and resolves to put on record its profound sense of the loss sustained by the whole Church through the passing of one of its most staunch and able ministers—a man of consecrated life and wide Chrietian outlook, who, by the exercise of his prophetic gifts did much to shape public thought towards the highest ideals and Christian citizenship. The sympathy of the Presbytery is extended to the Waimate congregation which Has been bereaved of a wise and faithful pastor and friend and an earnest preacher of the Gospel; while to the sorrowing widow and family in their irreparable loss the Presbytery' sends its deepest condolence, praying that strength and comfort may he given them in their affliction, and that they may experience to the full the power and presence of the Comforter and all the consolations of the Gospel. The induction of the Rev. J. F. Lopdell to the pastoral charge of Wyndham took place in the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of a fair congregation (says the Wyndham Herald). Proceedings were conducted by the Rev. John Pringle, Interim Moderator of the Parish in the vacancy. There were also present these members of M Q taura Presbytery—Revs. G. P. Mitchell (Moderator). G. W. Hercus (Clerk), and L. M. Walker and Mr J. C. Harkncss, also the Rev. James Baird (described as the “Father of the Church” in Southland. Formal intimation was given hy Rev. Mr Hercus (Clerk) from the open door of the proposed induction, if no objection were interposed as to the life and doctrine of Mr Lopdell. The induction address !was delivered by Rev. L. M. Walker (Riversdale) the text being'chosen from the 16th 1 chapter of Corinthians, verse 9. Rev. Pringle, of Edendale, put the categorical questions required by the Book of Order, Mr l Lopdell returning the answers required. The Rev. G. P. Mitchell (Knapdale) gave the address to the minister and as Moderator o' the Presbytery welcomed him, expressing his good wishes for the success of Mr Lopdell in his new charge. Rev. W. G. Hercus addressed the congregation, submitting the necessary questions. He congratulated the people on their choice and hoped Mr Lopdell and his congregating would get on happily together, the congregation co-operating to the full with their pastor. He asked for God’s richest blessing on that day ? s union. In the evening a social was held, at which Rev. Pringle presided, Rev. James Baird, aa the patriarch of the Church in Southland, was accorded the pride of place among the speakers of the evening. In the course of an interesting address, speaking from a knowledge of Mr Lopdell before he entered church work, he predicted great success for Wyndham’s new minister, because he could do honest faithful work and hod his heart in the right place. Mrs Lopdell would not be behind either. Mr Thos. Ayson (for the Elders), and Mr R. Arnott (for the Deacons’ Court), expressed welcome to Mr Lopdell. Mr Lopdell expressed thanks for the cordial greetings extended to him, Mrs Lopdell and Jack. The monthly meeting of the Methodist Ladies’ Auxiliary of Home and Foreign Missions (Invercargill branch) was held in Jubilee Hall on Thursday last, and was largely attended, Mrs Clement (president) occupied the chair. An appeal was received from the Rangiora Auxiliary, Canterbury District, for financial assistance on behalf of two Fijian boys (brothers) who were brought over from Fiji that they might secure in New Zealand special medical skill so much needed. It was resolved on the motion of Mrs A. F. Hawke, that a donation from the funds be forwarded in aid of‘so worthy an object. During the meeting the Rev. A. Peters gave a short address on the needs and possibilities of the heathen in the Islands of the Southern seas, and their claim on the Christian Church. Mrs Sinclair provided afternoon tea, for which the meeting returned thanks. Chaplain J. Chisholm will conduct both services in First Presbyterian Church tomorrow. Before becoming Chaplain to the Forces Mr Chisholm was in charge of the Waianiwa Parish. Next Wednesday evening St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church will hold a congregational meeting* and social in the Sunday School Hall, Dee street, to which all members, adherents and friends are heartily invited. The business to be discussed is important, referring to the introduction of the envelope system into the church financial system, and also the proposal to acquire the freehold of the block of land on which the Sunday school stands, for £I4OO. The Ladies’ Guild, who have charge of the social side of the evening, are introducing a novel feature—the American sale —into the pro-' ceedings, the chief feature of which is that each one is asked to bring a gift for sale, and also to purchase a gift—proceeds to be devoted to church purposes. The choir, under the baton of Mr J. E. Taylor, will render an attractive musical programme. Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held in the Otautau and Aparima Methodist Churches on Sunday last, morning and evening at Otautau, and Aparima in the afternoon. The services were largely attended and the churches tastefully decorated with fruit and flowers, while there was a large display of produce. The preacher was Rev. T. Coatsworth, who took for his subject “The Great Harvest” and “The Parable of the Vineyard.” Special music and hymns appropriate to the occasion were rendered. At Aparima, Miss E. Jones presided at the organ, Misses G. and D. Harrington playing at Otautau morning and evening respectively. Mr Wesney also played the clarionet. On the following Monday the sale of produce took place, which realised upwards of £ls. At the Don street choir practice on Thursday, Mr Stephens, on behalf of the members, presented Miss B. Smith, who is resigning, with a silver-mounted flowerstand as a small token of appreciation of the services she has rendered. Miss Smith’s connection with this choir extends over a number of years, and by her resignation, which was tendered owing to her approaching marriage, Don street choir loses a member who was a most regular attendee Mr A. J. Service and Rev. H. A. Sharp also spoke in high terms of appreciation and wished Miss Smith the best of good fortune and happiness in the future.

The Methodist Church at Edendale was crowded on Tuesday last to welcome the newly-appointed minister, the Rev. W. B. Gumming. Addresses of welcome were given by the chairman (Rev. A. Peters), Rev. J. Pringle, and Messrs Parker, Collins, A. H. Sheat, and W. McDonald. Musical items were rendered by friends as well as members of the Church. Mr Gumming by his sermons on Sunday last and his reply to the cordial welcome given him made a most favourable impression and hopes run high for a successful time under his ministry'. During the evening Miss Parker made n presentation on behalf of the Church of a silver article to the organist for her valuable and efficient services during a lengthy period. After a sumptuous supper, fruit, vegetables and produce given by friends in connection with the Harvest Festival were disposed of by auction, realising, in aid of Church funds, about £25. At the social of welcome to Rev. Lopdell, in Wyndham Presbyterian Church, Mr S. Shaw referred to the excellent work done by Rev. Pringle as Interim Moderator, and asked that gentleman to accept a cheque as &n appreciation of his services.

There should be a large congregation at Knox Church on Sunday to welcome the return from active service of their minister, Chaplain Hector Maclean. Over two years ago Mr Maclean enlisted from Knox Church as a private, determined to learn fully the soldier’s life from the bottom rung. He gradually climbed the ladder of promotion and eventually left New Zealand as Company Sergeant-Major. Upon arrival in England he was appointed instructor in one of the base camps and was separated from his mates of the 25th Reinforcement. After repeated requests he was sent to France as a corporal and was soon in the front trenches. He was quickly promoted to sergeant and after some months in the firing line was promoted to Chaplain and transferred to England. Mr Maclean married while away and returned with Mrs Maclean in the troopship Corinthic. He will arrive by the express to-day on a week-end visit and will take both services at Knox tomorrow. Mr Maclean will not receive his discharge for a few v/eeks end Mrs Maclean will not come to Invercargill until Mr Maclean is ready to resume his pastoral work.