WAIRIO-NIGHTCAPS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Western Star, 3 May 1904, Page 2

WAIRIO-NIGHTCAPS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The induction of the Rev. Thomas Tait to the pastoral charge of this congregation marks A, very important epoch in its history, and took place on Wednesday last in the Wairio Church. The following members of Presbytery were present and carried out the induction : Revs. A. Macdonald, G. Y. Roby, R. Ferguson, Doctor Dunlop and R. McCully, actingclerk of Presbytery, and Mr Alex. Robson, Presbytery elder. The Rev. Doctor Dunlop preached an earnest and appropriate discourse on " Christ the Power of God," from the first chapter of First Corinthians, verse 18, and after the corninti. klio Pair A M;lf«ilnnald S&V6 a

narrative of the steps which led up to the call. Thereafter Doctor Dunlop put the prescribed questions to Mr Tait, and by prayer and the right hand of fellowship inducted him to his new The Rev. R. Ferguson in suitable aHpearnest words then addressed the niuT ister-elect, and the Rev. G. Y. Rijjby delivered a similarly appropriate change to the congregation. Mr Tait was introduced to his people at the door of .the church as the congregation retired. A social gathering took place in the evening at Nightcaps in Mrs Griffin's Hall, which she kindly placed at the committee's disposal free of charge. The tables laden with everything pleasant to the eyes and the taste were occupied without interruption from half-past six till eight o'clock, and. at that, hour

the programme of singing and addresses began. The Rev. A. Macdonald took charge at the initial stage of the proceedings, and in introducing Mr Tait briefly contrasted the condition of matters now with their condition when he came to the district nearly 13 years ago. When Mr Macdonald came the district had no office-bearers and no organisation either financial or otherwise. Now it had four elders, a good committee, a splendid manse, two good churches and on the property only a small debt of £BS. Yeais ago the Nightcaps district had come well to the front and in a worthy effort had rid themselves of an old burden of a debt. Mr Macdonald detailed the history of that particular end of his original, wide parish for the last three years, and said how gratifying it was to himself to see the three charges now in existence where on his advent there had only been one.' .'On Mr Macdonald's suggestion the* Hiidiehce at the close of his speech rose to their feet and in three hearty rounds of applause welcomed Mr Tait to their district.

The Rev. Mr Tait/ who was deeply moved by the hearty reception, suitably responded, and said that, after Mr Macdonald's years of energetic work he felt like asking the proverbial question, " What can a man do who comes after the King ?" However, he would do his best and put into his work all available energy. Mr Tait intimated that he had received a letter of apology for the absence of the Rev. Jas. Lymburn, of Lumsden. He had also received letters containing good wishes from two of his Cromwell elders. He would not indicate then and there the work he hoped to undertake, but he hoped to have abundant opportunity of meeting his people in their homes and in the places of worship and in his manse, though not all in the manse the same day. Mr Tait made the reasonable request that his people should inform him at once of cases of illness or anything else of the kind which he ought to know. The Rev. Dr Dunlop, of Knox Church, Invercargill, a fellow-student of Mr Tait's, gave a thoughtful address in which..he voiced his own appreciation of the character and enthusiasm of the new minister. He encouraged the people to seek the same great ends as their minister w.rh enthusiasm, and especially to seek spiritual ends, which are the main ends of the church's existence. The young Doctor's appeal to the gathering to conserve and increase and purify these beginnings was forced home in beautiful language and. excellent spirit.. - The Rav. R. Ferguson, of First Church, was the next speaker, and he received a hearty reception. Mr Ferguson, who

has a gift for the humorous side of things, =vas not behind in getting home his points and putting the audience into good humour. He encouraged the people to look for the best points in each others characters and and forget their grievances and to let their provocation ba to provoke one another to love and to good works. The Rev. G. Y. Roby was also present and gave some appropriate direction for general conduct in connection with public worship- What he had to say he summarised under four headings, pointed and not to be forgotten. They were (1) Be in time for public worship ; (2) be reverent j (3) be courteous ; (4) be attentive to the service as it proceeds. The Rev. R. McCully's address had particular reference to the work of the Rev. A. Macdonald in Southland. Every great work began with an individual, and the splendid growth of the one charge into three was the fruit of Mr Macdonald's energy and genius. For more than twelve years Mr Macdonald had been doing an enormous and up-hill work. He had denied himself in all directions,, and with zeal and an unprecedented enthusiasm, he had given his gifts for the good of the cause he served. The various charges grew up under his fostering care and his attention to work and punctuality and singleness of aim had put him in a. high place in the esteem of his brethren and of the whole community. Whilst it so otten happened that the world forgot its benefactors, and cared little for the tools that had given the piece of finished work its shape and beauty, Mr McCully assured Mr Macdonald.that he would n.ot be forg&tten, and as a token that his work waa remembered with gratitude _Mr McCully, on behalf of the people of Wairio, Heddon Bush and Hillend, asked Mr.Macwf donald to accept a handsome cheque. K Jmv'Macdonald suitably replied, .tnd state'(V that although he had never himself, he was evidently more widely known than he ever dreamed of.

During the evening the choir rendered a number of very much appreciated pieces and the VVairio choir were also present and gave good help. Miss Johnston, Miss Dempster and Miss Gibbon sang a trio very sweetly, the choir joining in the chorus. Miss Dawson, Miss Dodds Miss Johnstone and Mr Mitchell were deservedly applauded for their solos. Miss Eva Clapp presided at the organ efficiently. The usual votes of thanks were heartily accorded, and after the Benediction the very happy gathering scattered. a