INDUCTION SERVICE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 163, 22 May 1940, Page 5

INDUCTION SERVICE

RANGITAIKI PRESBYTERIANS CAJLL TO REV. J. H. STARNES On Wednesday evening,, the 9th May, there was filled the vacancy which occurred some months ago in the Rangitaiki, when the Rev. A. D. Ilorwell accepted a call to Grcymoulh. Despite inclement weather a good congregation attended the service of induction. This w;as conducted by the Very Rev. T. H. Rosevcare, Moderator of the Bay of Plenty Presbytery, and he was supported by the Revs J. J. Heard, J. G. Laughton,' A. C. Hampton, J. Stewart and the Very Rev. Geo. Budd. The solemn simplicity which marks these services made this occasion most impressive. Fundamental Necessity. The Rev. J. J. Heard, in preaching the sermon, dealt with the fundamental necessity that the grace of God should mark the Christian life. The Rev. J. G. Laughton, in ad-' dressing the new minister, emphasised the necessity of expounding the Scriptures so that they would be made the word of Godj He said that, common-peace though it might appear to be, lie would make no apology for emphasising yet again that no power could be given" to the Gospel message unless he who delivered it allowed himself to become the instrument of God's voice. The congregation was then addressed by Mr Roseveare. It must not lie considered by those wlio at-*-tended church, he said, that such attendance conferred a favour upon the minister. The minister had fitted himself to expound the Scriptures and explain the various points in such fashion as would make re- v ligious experience more intelligible. While he agreed that simple faitli was a wonderful possession, yet lie was inclined to believe that what was required now more than ever was a better understanding of the Christian religion. To this end he commended the congregation to the ministrations that they would receive at the hands of Mr Starnes.

Social Evening. Then followed the questions and answers of the induction ceremony. After this came the social part of the evening, for the purpose of welcoming Mr and Mrs Starnes, dtiring which speeches of welcome were made by members of the congregation and brother ministers. Telegrams oi' good wishes were also read, one of them being' from l the late minister, the Rev. A. |D\ Horwell. Mr Starnes iii reply Said that he felt that many of the kind things said were not deserved, but that |ic hoped, through God's grace, and with his own earnest endeavours, that he might ultimately merit something of what had been said. Several Items of entertainment were contributed throughout the latter part of the evening, and with the serving of supper opportunity was offered those present to meet Mr and Mrs Starnes.