LAYING FOUNDATION STONE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 11

LAYING FOUNDATION STONE

NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The ceremony of laying th' foundation stone of * the new St. Andrew’s Church at the corner of Liardet and Courtenay Streets, Now Plymouth, will be observed to-day. The ceremony will be performed by the Rev. Professor Hewitson. A unique part of the ceremony will be the Masonic one. The stone of the earliest church, which was destroyed by fire, was laid with Masonic honours. Mr. Hewitson was for 14 years minister of Knox Church, Dunedin, whose communicant membership then was the largest of any Presbyterian Church in Australia and New Zealand. lie was called from the work of 'he regular ministry to the mastership of Knox College, and to be a lecturer (afterwards professor) in the Theological Hall. Foils years he was a teacher of the English Bible and practical training, and as a minute of appreciation said, “He brought to his duties physical vigour, line culture, social influence, moral power, and religious enthusiasm, together with a rich experience of the ministry gained in the service of a large congregation.’’ - For 20 years he was master of Knox College, a position of unique influence and .power, and hundreds of students of every faculty now in all parts of the world acknowledge his gifts of leadership, administration, friendship and Inspiration. During this period -te travelled widely and gained an extensive’knowledge of educational institutions and residential colleges in America, Great Britain,, the Continent and the East. He was also Chancellor of Otago University, an« has occupied many positions of trust and authority in the church and in the community. He will also be taking special services in St. Andrew’s Church on the Sunday. On the Monday night he is due to lecture in St. Andrew’s Hall on “I am willing to love all mankind, except an American.” Professor Hewiteon is a lover of the American people.