PRESBYTERY OF TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume 5264, Issue 5264, 15 October 1891, Page 4

PRESBYTERY OF TIMARU.

Thig Court met at Geraldina on Tuesday, at 11 n.m^ There wero present tho Bey. W. Gillies (Moderator), the Bey. James McKee, and tho Bey. A. Bruce Todd, and Messrs 8. Moßride and, D.Shaw, elders. ' The Bey. J. Waters, the Rev. D.Boßi, and the Bey. James White, all lately from Otago, wero associated with the Presbytery. The Presbytery took up the special business for which it met, the triennial visitation of the Geraldine congregation. The questions appointed by the Assembly to bo put on such occasions to the minister, the Beßsion, and the managers wore eatufaotorily answered by each m turn. The fiudibg of the Prasbytery, nftor the answers giveo, was as follows:— The Presbytery having" heard and considered the auowors given by the ministry and the representatives of the session and committee of management, record their pleasure at the general state of matters disolosod m, these answers ; rejoice m the harmony and goodwill prevailing throughout tho congregation, and m the evidences of good work being done m tho various departments of church life; urge the congregation to support heartily the soheme m operation for the Bpeedy extinction of the remaining debt, and to infuse into all .their givinge more and more of the spirit of makiag.an offering unto the Lord ; note with special pleasure that there are no seat rents charged, and the seat« are perfectly free to all comers ; assure the office-bearers and congregation of the Presbytery's interest m their spiritual life Snd prosperity, praying the Great Head of the Church to give more abundant blessing under the ordinances of the Gospel for spiritual growth and ingathering. Reports were given m by the Moderators of Otaio, Pleasant Point, and Temuka. Mr McKee reported that the Bey. Mr Boss was to supply Otaio for three months, and that Mr Waters would remain at Temuka until Mr ■Diciraon's return. This last letter received from MrDickson intimatfid'tnat he expeoted to leave, for Ne>» Zealand some time during the present month. Mr Todd reported that the Bey. James White was labouring at Plensant Point, and would be there for the next three months.

The Preshytery considered the remit of ABseinbly about the time of meeting of that oourt, and decided that m their opinion the proserit date was as suitable as any that could be chosen.

At 3p.m the Presbytery held a conference on tbe state of religion and morals within its bounds. Interesting information on tbe condition of the religious life of the congregations was supplied. This was thought to be on the whole.in a hopeful state, although m somo respects there was still much to be desired.

At 7.30 p.m., the Presbytery "met with tho congregation, which wa3 well repreaenred. Tln» Moderator presided, and read the finding of the Presbytery on the visitation held that forenoon. Addresses were delivered on foreign missions, by Mr White; on "Loyalty to tho Church", by Mr Waters* on "Sabbath Observance", by Mr Boss ;on "Beligion m the Home ", by Mr MoKee ; and on " How to retain the young m connection witt the church after leaving the Sabbath school ", by Mr Qil'ies.