NEW MINISTER INDUCTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21179, 28 October 1938, Page 8

NEW MINISTER INDUCTED

Welcome to Rev. M. Wilson “ Will Be Happy At Chalmers ” The Rev. Malcolm Wilson, M.A., of York, England, the new minister of Chalmers Presbyterian Church, was inducted into the charge last night when a large gathering assembled at the church as an expression of their good will, and later at a social gathering extended the right hand of fellowship to their minister and his wife. The impressive induction service was conducted by the Rev. A. F. Sutherland, of Morven, Moderator of Timaru Presbytery. The Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, of Trinity Church, preached to the congregation, and the Rev. W. F. Nichol, of Temuka (Presbytery Clerk) delivered the charge to the minister and congregation. A feature of the service was the singing of the choir under Mi- A. C. Mclnnes, with Mr J. D. Fraser at the organ. Speeches of welcome to Mr and Mrs Wilson were delivered following the service. The Rev. James Baird, In-terim-Moderator of the Charge, presided, and especially welcomed the Mayor (Mr W. G. Tweedy) and the Mayoress. Call Causes Satisfaction Mr Baird said that when it became known that Chalmers was sending a call to Mi- Wilson, a thrill went through the hearts of the Presbyterian ministers of the Dominion. Very fine testimonies had come ahead of Mr Wilson, and as one who had known him in York, had told the speaker: “Mr Wilson is mighty well spoken of in England.” Chalmers new minister had come back to New Zealand and Timaru was pleased to have the benefit of his ability and experience. It was very gratifying to have the opportunity of welcoming Mr and Mrs Wilson to Timaru, said the Mayor, who paid a tribute to the high standard Chalmers had set in its ministers, and the fine support they had given in the civic life of the town. Mr Tweedy expressed the opinion that the church today was the greatest influence in the world for peace, and added that until the people had the faith of thenfathers peace would be very difficult to accomplish. He was sure that Mr Wilson, who was well spoken of, would fully maintain the high spiritual tone of Chalmers Church. In the name of the citizens of Timaru he welcomed Mr and Mrs Wilson to Chalmers, and assured them of the wholehearted cooperation of the people of the church.

The Moderator of the Presbytery said that the Presbytery was looking forward to the fellowship of Mr Wilson. The Rev. H. Nelson Wright, Vicai’ of St. John's, on behalf of the Timaru Ministers' Association and the Anglican community, welcomed Mr and Mrs Wilson to Timaru. which, he said, was a fine town with warm-hearted people.

The Rev. Lawson March, of Columba Church, Oamaru, said he was delighted to know that Mr Wilson had been called to Chalmers. Mr Wilson had great opportunities in England and he was going to be of great benefit to the church in New Zealand. Tempting Offers Declined The Rev. J. S. Steel (Duntroon) recalled his student days with Mr Wilson, and said that in spite of many tempting'offers at Home Mr Wilson had a love of his native land, and had decided to give New Zealand the benefit of his undoubted ability. A welcome on behalf of Chalmers congregation was extended by Mr J. P. Steven, who said that the church was very fortunate in its choice. Mr Wilson was a New Zealander with the resolution of youth. Some had said that the church was a dying force, but they did not agree with that. Mr Wilson with youth on his side would certainly give Chalmers a stimulus. It was a great compliment to the new minister also that he was unanimously chosen without being heard by the congregation. Mrs Walter Taylor presented Mrs Wilson with a bouquet on behalf of the women of Chalmers and assured her of their co-operation during her husband’s ministry. Looking Forward to Work “I am looking forward to getting down to work again, after my farewell at York, the journey to New Zealand and my welcome here,” said Mr Wilson in reply. Many exaggerated things had been said about him, but he thought that Chalmers had “bought a pig in a poke,” and were in for disillusionment. They could take courage in the fact that the success of a church did not depend on the minister and people who played a big part, but on God. The people and he could do their best, but God would give the results. Mr Wilson mentioned that he had travelled throughout the Homeland and the Continent, and had been impressed greatly with the vast fellowship of Presbyterianism. It was advisable to have coming and going in the different charges as it allowed scope for greater fellowship. He impressed on the gathering the need for striving after a unity which was going to weal- down denominational barriers and make the one holy catholic church a reality in the world. ’’l feel confident that we are going to be happy here as citizens of the town, members of the church and friends of you all,” said Mr Wilson. The warm welcome was acknowledged also by Mrs Wilson, who said that she was looking forward to the time when she would know them all. Presentation to Mr Baird In appreciation of the service that Mr Baird had given Chalmers during the 11 months he had acted as Moderator, Mr Young presented him with a cheque. Mx- Baird, he said, had done his utmost in the interests of the congregation and they appreciated it very much. He hoped that the good feeling that had long existed between St. Paul’s and Chalmers would long continue. The gesture was acknowledged by Mr Baird, who said that he had much enjoyed his association with Chalmers and especially the office bearers. The gathering was afterwards entertained at supper by the ladies of the congregation, when opportunity was taken by Mr and Mrs Wilson of meeting many of their new parishioners.