PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3904, 21 October 1880, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

lhe Presbytery of Christchurch met ad hunc effectiim on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1880, and was constituted with devotional exercises. fiederunt — the Bey Messrs Homer (Jlodr.), Fraser, Elmslie, Burnett, Hauxwell, Blake, Cairns and Dr Stuai $. On the motion of Mr Fraser, the Moderator's conduct was approved for calling the meeting in tho present emergency. Mr Eraser intimated that Mr Cree requested to leave, and couli not remain to take part in tho proceedings. MrFra3er moved that tho Eev Dr Stuart, Dunedin, be associated, and liv name added to the sederunt. The Bey Mr Elmslie intimated that a deputation had waited on him from the Kaiapoi congregation, requesting that they might hold a congregational meeting early. He moved — " Miat the Eev Mr Cnirns be appointed Moderator in tlace of the late Ecv Mr M'Kee." Mr Fra=er seconded the motion, which was agreed t •;>. Mr Fraser moved— " That the Moderator, Clerk una niovrr, be a Committee to draw up a minute expressive of the feelings of the Presbytery on the occtßioc of the death of Mr M'lvei-, and v, letter of condolence to Mrs M'Kee." The motion was agreed to, tnd the following minute was drawn up and approved : — " The Prc3bytery of Christchurch regrets to have occasion to record the loss of Mr David M'Kee, one of its members, who had but lately come to the Colony, and was indeed the moat recently settled within the bounds. During the short period of his residence in Canterbury, Mr M'Kee had endeared himßelf to a singularly largo circle of friende. His decided talent?, genial disposition and unasaximing piety were ehcli as to give promise of great usefulness and marked honour to the Presbyterian Church. The suavity of h'i3 private intercourse, and his eminent pulpit abilities, had already eurrounded him with a •large, intelligent and influential congregation, and an ablo staff of office-bearers. Tho appearances of Mr M'Xee in the Presbytery yrere always marked by a lively interest in the affairs of the Church, and an unuaualappreciation of the peculiar circumstances of a Colonial Tresbytery constantly enlarging its borders, receiving Church niembsrs from all quarters, and yet labouring to maintain tho wonted orderliness and ecriptur-il authority of Presbyterial rule. The Presbytery will greatly miss his sagacious counsel and hearty sympathy. To tho Presbyterian Church throughout Canterbury the death of Mr M'Kco is the loss oi one fitted to advance its interests and adorn ita ministry in r.o ordinary degree The Church universal lo?es in him a faithful devoted man of God. The Presbytery records 'its especial sympathy wiih his bereaved wife and children and In 3 aged mother, and commends them to tho fatherly protection mid £aro of God most High, who las faid, "leavo thy fatherless children, I ■will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows •trust in me." Tho meeting closed with the benediction.