ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 152, 29 June 1934, Page 9

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERIANS. OUTSTANDING PREACHER SOUGHT. [ Per Press Association. ] AUCKLAND, June 28. The future of St. Andrew’s Church. Lower Symonds Street, the mother of Presbyterianism in Auckland, was again discussed at a meeting of about 50 members of the congregation and others to-night. A proposal to invite a prominent preacher from Great Britain • to take the services at the church for i a period of six months or a year was endorsed, and a committee was formed to canvass for guarantors. It was stated that if an outstanding preacher was to be obtained for a year. £lOOO would be required as a stipend without living accommodation, in addition to the amount of the minister’s fare. If the period was for six months the amount required would be correspondingly less. Mr. F. W. Matthews, session clerk, said that it was proposed to negotiate with Scots’ Church, Sydney, with a view to having ministers from Great Britain who fill the pulpit of that church for periods of six months to extend their itinerary to Auckland for a similar term. If t-hat was not possible St. Andrew’s would deal direct with the Home authorities to secure a suitable man for six months or longer. “Under the present conditions it is financially impossible for us to carry on,’’ said Mr. Matthews. “If some such scheme is not successfully undertaken St. Andrew’s, with all its traditions, will have to close its doors.” ;