PRESBYTERIAN TEA MEETING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1318, 18 August 1886, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN TEA MEETING.

Despite the incessant rain there was a large attendance at the Presbyteiian tea meeting and concert last evening, and it is probable that had the weather been propitious sufficient accommodation could not have been found for the large number of persons who would have been present. The tables were presided over by the following ladies:— (1) Mrs Patterson, assisted by Misses Patterson and Horsfall ; (2) Mrs C. Reid, assisted by Miss Swanson ; (3 ) Mrs Kidd, assisted by Misses Kidd, Shnry, Barr, and Craig ; (4) Mrs Lee and Mrs Macpherson assisted by Miss Tully ; (5) Mrs Hopburn ond Mis Mitchell, assisted by Misses Hepburn, Houst n, Arthur, and Dick ; (6) Mrs Jamieson, assisted by Misses Jamieson ; (7) A l rs Williamson, assisted by Miises Williamson and Smith ; (8) Mrs A. Orr and Mrs Kneen, assisted by Miss | Grubb; (9, Bachelors’ table), Misses Chalmers and Miller. The tables having been cleared, a concert, interspersed with addresses from ministers present, was held. The Rev Mr Beattie presided Songs were given by Mrs Denshire, Misses Dick and Barrett, and Messrs Kneen and Simpson, which were in each ease enthusiastically encored; Several musical selections were given during the course of the evening by the choir in a very enjoyable Style. The Rev Mr Elmslie, cf Chr..t:hurch, delivered a very ( interesting address, laving for his sub ject, some renditions of congregational success not infrequently overlooked. He spoke at length as to what were the duties of Chris, ian ministers and their congregations, and what they should do to tmainain vitality in their churches The Kev Mr Bicoll (Wesleyan), who followed, congratulated the fsv Mr Beattie on the very successful nature of the gathering, in spite of the unfavorable weather. He | briefly spoke on “ the efficacy of prayer.” The Rev Mr McNeil (Mount Somers) referred to the address given ;by the Rev Mr Jfilmslie, and added his testimony in the direction of that rev gentleman

The Key Mr Biake, of Tinwald, spoke of

the nec:srity forcembattiog the irreligious tendencies ( f the iiuies, sud what means should be taken to carry out that end. The Pev Mr Hill .(Primitive Methodist),

after congratulating the Chairman on the

success of the gathering, referred to tire great need that existed for good fellowship between the various denominations, but

deprecated members of congregations leaving one church for another, because such a practice greatly militated against a minister achieving good. The Pev Mr Ctewatt, of Eakeia, earnestly dwelt upon the necessity of Christians taking an active interest in the welfare of their churches, instead of paralysing the church’s efforts for good Dy their apathy and lukewarmness. Votes of thanks, proposed by Mr Hogg, tho Rev Mr Stewart, and Mr W. baxter, were passed to the ladies, the choir, the speakers, and the Chairman. The singing of the doxology

brought the meeting to a close