FIRST CHURCH, FRANKTON

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13308, 11 October 1916, Page 4

FIRST CHURCH, FRANKTON

CALL TO REV. 0. BLUNDELL. At a congregational meeting of First Church, Frankton, called to consider the question of the settlement of a minister, there was a representative attendance of members. Rev. D. N. McKenzie, moderator of the charge, presided, and Rev. R. Wylie, who has supplied for some months, was also present. After the opening exercises the moderator explained the object of the meeting, and detailed the necessary procedure. The church treasurer (Mr Dempster) referred to the financial position of the congregation, apd stated that two gentlemen had guaranteed £SO per annum for three years towards a minister's stipend. The church could offer a stipend of £225 with £SO house allowance, which amount, with the exception of some £3O, was already in sight. Members expressed themselves as gratified with the prospects, and several promised to double their sustenation subscriptions, which materially reduced the estimated deficiency. The stipend was fixed at the sum mentioned by the treasurer. The formal resolution declaring that the congregation was prepared to proceed to a call was then carried, and after a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed to address the call to Rev. 0. Blundell, of Te Aroha, to whose ability and gifts many tributes were paid. The document, being prepared, all present signed it, and the benediction concluded a meeting which should mark the opening of a new era of progress in First Church.