ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN. CHURCH, INVERCARGILL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1207, 22 July 1884, Page 2

ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN. CHURCH, INVERCARGILL.

A very largely attended meeting of the above congregation was held in the church on Wednesday evening, the Rev.Mr Fergusou, Moderator,presiding. The object of the meeting was to ascertain the mind of the congregation in the matter of asking the Presbytery to moderate in a-call to the pastorate. The joint committ3e of office-bearers brought up their report of the steps taken to secure candidates since the vacancy occurred in December last. The short leet embodied in the report, contained the names of four candidates, viz., the Rev. Messrs Cameron, Spenee, Gordon, and Mackay. The Moderator carefully and clearly explained the order of procedure, and the right of the congregation to accept, reject, or amend the report. A motion for the report having been duly and seconded, several gentlemen spoke to it, dwelling chiefly on the desirableness of securing unanimity. After full opportunity had been given for questions, objections, or amendments, the motion was put and carried unanimously. The voting was then proceeded with, the candidates' names being put in the order given above—the order in which they preached. The votes of members and adherents were taken separately, the voters rising in their seats, and remaining standing until the scrutineers had counted them carefully. On the first vote it was apparent that the Rev. Mr Gordon had an overwhelming majority, but the usual form of repeating the vote until only one name remained on the black board was gone through, so that everyone might have the opportunity of declaring his oi her preference. Mr Gordon's numbers rose on each recurrence of the vote. At the close of the voting a member of the sessiou, who had been in the ministry, rose and proposed that the Rev. Mr Gordon be chosen pastor of the Church, and on being put,—with due deliberation —the motion was carried unanimously. It was then proposed that the Presbytery be asked to moderate in a call to the pastorate, and this wa~s likewise carried without dissent. Three commissioners were next appointed to represent the congregation at the meeting of Presbytery to be held shortly on the subject. Before pronouncing tha Benediction, Mr Fergusson said it had giyen him unfeigned pleasure to witness the feeling displayed by the, meeting. The full strength of tlm congregation might bo said to be present, and the whole proceeding's had been characterised by a spirit of forbearance and goodwill which it was pleasant to see. The people were evidently taking great interest in the matter ; they .were in earnest, and, happily they were unanimous. The congregation, in short, had acted throughout in such a manner that it had made itself an example which other congregations in similar circumstances would do well to follow. A hymn having been sung, the Benediction was pronounced and the meeting terminated.—News.