MASTERTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8201, 3 August 1906, Page 5

MASTERTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

induction o.v rev. a TI.OMPSON.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

Tho induction of the Kev. A. Thompson, 8.A.8,D., as minister of the Maafcerton Presbyterian Church, took plncfl, yesterday, in the presence of a fairly large congregation. The ceremony, which was an impressive one, was conducted by the Rev. J. K. Eiliott, of Wellington. "among fho visitiuß clergyman were the Revs. J Aitkin, J McOaw, Gibson-Smith, J. Pateraon, W. Woollass, and J. N. Buttle. Mr J. G. W. Aitken and A. W. Hogg, Ms.H. R., and Adjutant Powiclf, were also present. The proceedings commeuced with prayer, followed ' y a hvmn. The Rev. J. Aitken delivered an impressive sermon, taking for his text, "If a man is in Christ, fle ia a new creature," from the 2ud Epistle, sth chapter. 15th verse, of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Then followed the induction ceremony. Rev. J. K. Elliott, Moderator, explained that ttie charge of the Musforton Presbyterian Church had been reuder d vacant owing to the Rev. R Wood accepting the position of Secretary of the Sustentation Fund in Otago. The congregation's choioe of a new Minister had nnanimoualy fallen on Kev. A. Thompsun. The VVellingtnn Presbytery had approved of the choioe. He questioned Mr Thompson as to his belief in the faith of the Church, in the Old and New Testament, and his willingness to undertake ohargei of the congregation. Mr Thompson answered in the affirmative. When asked by Mr Elliott if they would accept Mr Thompson as their Minister, and wirk in accord with h>m, and give him their respect, t.Jtie congregation rose and signified their assent. Mr Elliott, then recited a prayer. Afterwards he declared Mr Thompson to be duly inducted as Minister iu charge of the Masterton Presbyterian Church. The ohoir rendered the hymn, "The Lord Bless Thee and Keep Thee." Rev. Gibson-Smith, on behalf of the Wellington Fresbytory, welcomed Mr Thompson. Mr Smith reminded the newly-inducted minister of the duties of a Christian Minister, tie had praetioally to bring Heaven to earth, and his constant object should be to urge men to everything that was spiritual. The duties would be found hard, bat thoy would be made much lighter if executed in the pro-, per spirit. Rev. J. MoCaw, who had been appointed by the Wellington Presbytery to address the congregation, daring the course of his remarks, informed the congregation that they toad duties to pterform towards their Minister. They should assist him by doing their part well, especially in the matter of public worship. The speaker was sure that they would receive their new Minister warmly, and help him in every way possible. The services we*e then brought to a close by the singing of a hymn. In the evening a welcome sooial was tenderedjto the Rev. A. Thompson in the Sunday Schoolroom. There was a large attendance, and an enjoyable evening was spent. Short addresses were given by Revs. J. K. Elliott, Gibson-Smith, J. N. Buttle, J. Patqrson, Adjutant Powick, and Messrs W. H. Jackson and P. L. Hollings. The choir rendered two anthems, and songs were sung by Mioses Miller, J. McGregor, and Mr A. Niool. During the evening Mr P. Gordon, senr., Session Clerk, on behalf of the congregation, presented the Rev. J. K. Elliott, who had acted as Moderator daring the time that the Church was without a Minister, with five volnmes of various works, a handsome leather bound case containing books, and a rug, in recognition of the services he had renderedjthe Church. Mr Elliott suit-' ably'aoknowledged thi gifts. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. Votes of thanks were passed to the ladles, the ohoir, and ail who had assisted at the function.