Presbytery of Christchurch

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5580, 30 March 1886, Page 3

Presbytery of Christchurch

THIS DAY. A meeting of the Presbytery of Christchurch was held this morning in hwne effeetvm to consider the Eev W. Dinwiddie'a ' resignation of the charge of St Andrew's '' congregation; present— the Revs W. West ' (Moderator), J. Hill (Clerk), J. Elmslie, j T. E. Cairns, B. Porter, E. Erwin, J. j W. Cree, M'Gregor, and Mr A. Scott ' (Elder). BT AKDBBW'B CITOKCH. ! Meßsra D. Ciaig, J. Deans, and W. Boag ■. , attended as a deputation from St Andrew's congregation. ' The Clerk read Mr Dinwiddie'B letter of \ resignation, the reason for which was that ! failing health compelled him to leave the Colony. j i Mr Craig said that at the last meeting of the Kirk Session Mr Dinwiddie's resignation was definitely minuted, and the ! deputation appointed to inform the Pres- ' bytery that they acquiesced therein. Mr ! Dinwiddie's resignation had been receired : with surprise, and he might say, regret, \ but under the circumstances there was no ' alternative but to accept it. I A second letter was received from Mr i Dinwiddie, apologising for his inability to ! attend the meeting of Presbytery. The Eev J. Hill said that he fully concurred that there was no course but to accept the resignation. He regretted deeply that Mr Dinwiddie'B health compelled him to leave these shores, especially as he had come here but recently, and as it had been hoped that, through his scholarship and talents, he would have been able to do much good I for the church. Ho was sure that Mr Dinwiddie would take with him the best wishes of all for his complete restoration to health, and his continued prosperity. Mr Hill moved — " That the Presbytery accepts, with regret, the resignation of the Eev W. Dinwiddie, and expresses the hope that he may be restored to health and long spared to continue his work, and that the usual certificate be given." The Eev T. B. Cairns seconded the motion, which was carried. The Eev J. W. Cree proposed that the Eev J. Hill should be appointed Moderator of the vacant charge. Ihe Eev J. Elmslie seconded the proposition, and in so doing expressed his deep regret at the termination of Mr Dinwiddie's promising career in Christchurch, and his symathy with both Mr Dinwiddie and his congregation. The motion was carried nem dis. The Moderator expressed to the deputation the regret of the Presbytery for the circumstances in which they were placed. j Ho had no doubt, however, that under the | wiso Modoratorship of Mr Hill, the congre--1 gat ion would bo enabled to obtain another ' pastor, and would enjoy continued prosperity. ; Mr Craig thanked tho Presbytery, and ' the deputation withdrew. The meeting was then closed. CT7BT. j A pro re nata meeting of tho Presbytery ; was then hold for the purpose of appointing a Moderator for tho Cust district, and for tho consideration of Dr M'Leod's certificate. | The Eev J. Hill Btated that he regretted that the serious illnesa of Mr M'Kellar would render it necessary to appoint some ono else to take the inodcratorship of Cußt. He moved — " Ttat iixe Rev R. Erwin he appointed moderator."

I The Rev|R. Porter| seconded the motion, which was agreed to. DB M'LHOD'B CHBTIFICATE. It was decided to communicate with the ; Rev W. Douglas, Moderator of the West- ! land Presbytery, in reference to the certificate of disjunction to be granted to Di M'Leod. This concluded the business.