THE PRESBYTERY

Southland Times, Issue 19837, 7 April 1926, Page 8

THE PRESBYTERY

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Presbytery of Southland was held in First Church yesterday morning, the Moderator, Rev. J. Fordyce, presiding over a large attendance. The Rev. J. H. Robertson reported that all the Presbytery’s applications to Synod for grants in respect to various charges had been acceeded to, with the exceptionof that in regard to the Centre Bush charge which had been reduced by £25. CALLS. The Rev. Chisholm, interim moderator of the North Invercargill church, brought forward a call from that congregation to the Rev. W. Tamner, of Christchurch. He stated that out of a roll call of 197, some 128 members h fc’ signed the call and also 25 adherents. However, he was convinced that should the call be left for another Sunday the remaining members would sign. So far they had only one Sunday in which to do so. The unanimity of the call was most marked. Messrs Kain and Officer testified to the unanimity of the call and it was eventually resolved that the call be sustained and forwarded to the Christchurch Presbytery. Commissioners were appointed to support the call, and thereafter Mr Chisholm advised that the stipend would be £350 with a month’s holiday annually. The Rev. W. Johnston, of Centre Bush, interim moderator of the Dipton charge, placed before Presbytery a call from the Dipton congregation to the Rev. W. Johnston. He first stated that since the charge became vacant 15 months ago a new manse had been erected and everything was now ready for the new minister. The call to Mr Johnston had been most heartily signed and although it had been open for only one Sunday 62 members and 50 adherents had appended their signatures. This in itself spoke for the unanimity of the call, but it was desired that it be left at the church for a further Sunday so that others could sign. Messrs J. Milligan (session clerk), W. Allison (representing Fernhills) and C. Gray (on behalf of the Dipton congregation) supported the call and agreed as to its unanimity. It was resolved that the call be sustained and placed in the hands of the Rev. Johnston. The recipient announced his willingness to accept the call should it be placed in his hands. The induction was set down to take place on Wednesday, May 12, and a minute of appreciation of the work done by the Dipton congregation under the moderatorship of the Rev. Norton was carried. GENERAL. The Rev. J. Chisholm was deputed to , draw up a minute of appreciation of the! services rendered by the Rev. W. W. French ■ from the Wallacetown charge. Presbytery resolved, on the suggestion of the Rev. J. Lawson Robinson, to urge Mr Todd, convener of the Assembly’s Beneficiary Fund Committee, to come to Dunedin to consult with those Otago and Southland gentlemen appointed by the Assembly for that purpose. It was further decided that the Revs. J. L. Robinson, Tocker, Chisholm and Mr J. Officer be a commission to consider beneficiary regulations and to report to the next meeting of the Presbytery. The Rev. J. H. Robertson was appointed Presbytery treasurer. INSUFFICIENT MINISTERS. Mr George Budd, superintendent of the ■ Home Mission Committee, wrote in regard to a serious shortage of ministers. The ' supply, it was stated, was always less than ' the demand, and the present position was acute. The vacancies actually and im- | mediately prospective totalled 42. There' were awaiting call three licentiates and two or three ministers out of charges. Only two students complete their course this . year and three retirements are spoken of ' as pending. Two new parishes in developing districts were proposed; the status of about 10 Home ‘Mission stations should be ' raised and besides this there was ample scope for the full staff of 90 Home Missionaries and all “retired” ministers who are I helping in church extension. Fifty ministers were needed and only six were available. Suggestions would be welcomed and it was desired that the position be brought before the notice of Sessions, Bible Class leaders, ; and Sunday School superintendents so that every endeavour could be made to get into touch with boys, lads and young men to whom the case for the ministry could be presented.—Referred to the Home Mission Committee.