ORDINATION OF MINISTER

Southland Times, Issue 23767, 15 March 1939, Page 9

ORDINATION OF MINISTER

REV. A. KERNOHAN INDUCTED NEW PREACHER AT KNOX CHURCH The ordination and induction of the Rev. Alexander Kernohan into the pastoral charge of Knox Church, Invercargill, took place at the church last night. The moderator of the Southland Presbytery, the Rev. E. B. Stevenson, performed the induction. The sermon was preached by the Rev. H. B. Burnett, who based his remarks on the text “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” The Rev. E. Gardiner addressed the minister and the congregation. His message to the former was “Preach Christ and live out Christ,” and his message to the members of the congregation was that they should acknowledge their privileges by fulfilling their duties.

During the ceremony the choir sang an anthem, "Break Forth Into Joy.” After the ceremony a welcome social was held in the Conon street hall. The Rev. J. A. Thomson, minister of First Church, was chairman at the gathering. Mr A. Kinross extended a welcome on behalf of the Knox Church session. He assured Mr Kernohan of the loyal and hearty co-operation of the session and he hoped that his relationship with the

congregation would be most cordial. He also expressed a hope that the new minister would be with them for a long time. They were glad to have Mr Kernohan in their midst, said Mr J. L. Lennie, on behalf of the youth organizations of the church. They realized the benefit they would derive from their association with him and at all times they would be glad to have his guidance. He could assure Mr Kernohan that the Bible classes were ably led and were flourishing well.

Mr C. A. Stewart assured Mr Kemohan of the support of the Deacons’ Court. The congregation of the church had been most enthusiastic in extending a call to him and it looked forward with confidence to his guidance.

A welcome to Mr Kernohan was extended by Pastor V. C. Stafford, president of the Ministers’ Association. The association, he said, was not registered and there were no shares, but the members each received big dividends. To them the meetings of the association were a source of benefit and encouragement The Rev. E. B. Stevenson said that he had found the older members of the Southland Presbytery, most sympathic in their fellowship and relationship with the younger members and he was sure that Mr Kernohan would find in Knox Church a very kindly feeling for his work. The Rev. G. B. Hinton, minister of St. Peter’s and Miss M. L. Cowan, president of the Presbyterian Women’s Mission Union also spoke. Mr Kernohan expressed thanks to the speakers for their welcome. He said he hoped that he would be able to give to the members of the congregation all the help and advice it was in his power to give. He also hoped that he would be able to do something towards establishing, with God’s guidance, His Kingdom on earth. On behalf of the congregation Mr A. C. Carman expressed appreciation of the valuable work done by Mr Thomson, who had acted as moderator of the church since the Rev. J. Chisholm had left. Mr Thomson replied. Items were given during the evening by Miss M. Clark, Mr J. J. Buchan and Mr H. Parker.