CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11505, 11 February 1903, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY

The ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held yesterday. The Moderator (the Rev. A. Doull) presided, and the following were present: —Rev. Dr. Erwin. Revs. A. H. Treadwell (clerk), J. McKenzie, W, Grant, R. W. Jackson, *. Maxwell, J. Iμ. Thomson, W. Ritchie, W. Simpson, p. Wilson, O. Anderson, J. Thomson, and W. Gow. Elders: Dr. Withers, Messrs (Martin, i>. B. Bowie/ R. Irvine, Boag, and Rev. H. Adamsoa. Tne iwv. R. W. Jackson (Southbridge) was appointed Moderator. The Revs. Stewart, Steel Smellie, and Stubbs were associated with the Preribvtery. .. J

The following elders* commissions were received:—Messrs James Anderson (Sefton), A. CaJder (Halkett). Rev. H. Adamson (St. Paul'e), Dr. Witne;* (Southbridge), Messrs John Watson, sens-. (Lincoln and Prebbleton), R. Hatchwel! (Lyttelton), and D. B. Bowie (St. Andrew'•)." A call to the charge fc." Otahuhu (Auckland) in favour of the luv A. Doull was received from the Auck.aud Presbytery. The Rev. J. McKenzie addressed the Presbytery in support of the call on behalf rf the Auckland Presbytery, and stated that the call had been very largely signed. Messrs Macfiariane and Jennings," representing the Rangiora session, bore testimony to the excellent -work done by Mr Doull. The session matle no opposition to Mr Doull accepting the call. Messrs A. Home and A J. Carmichael also epoke on behalf of the congregation. It was decided that the translation craved is expedietnt, and that the call toe placed , in Mr Doull's hands. Mr Doull expressed his regret at eevering hie connection with toe Christolnirch Presbytery and the Rangiora congregation. He intimated hie intention of accepting the call.

On th© motion of Dr. Erwin, seconded by Rev. Mr Treadwell, it was agreed "Thaibt&e Presbytery, in severing the pastoral tie, expresses ita appreciation of Mr Doull'* fidelity in his ministry, and his. close interest in social and moral questions." Rev. J. McKenzie read the report of the commission to Lyttelton, -which was quite satisfactory. The annual income for the past three years had' been: —1899, £268; 1900, £333; 1902, £347. The coml mission recorded 1 their pleasure at the restoration to health of the Rev. Mr Tread■well, and commended th© loyalty and fide-1 lity of the office-bearers and people. The following finding was agreed to:—'The Presibytery record' their thankfulness to Cod for the fact that Mr Treadwell has been restored to health, and enabled to resume his work in the congregation. They commend the. diligence of the office-bearere and the loyalty of the people, and express iiifor gratification at the fact that during the minister's absence the work was 'well maintained. The Presbytery, while rejoicing at.the ever-inereaeing liberality of the congregation,, would l remind them of the claims upon thenj of the schemes of the church., and would recommend them, if E>ossible, to establish in their midst a branch of the Miseionarv Union. In view of the fact that the minister has returned to his work, restored in health, they would urge upon all tne members that they should unite -with him in prayer and earnest efforts in order that those outside church connection may be brought to Christ, and'that those who believe may be • strengthened and built up in their trust and faith." • The Renra. Grant and Jackson and Dr. Wither* were appointed a commussioa to visit Rakaia.

It was decided to make arrangements with Mr J. E. Walker for evangelistic services throughout the Presbytery. With regard to the application from th* Halkett congregation for permission to apply for a loan from the Century Fund to rebuild the manse,, it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Eer. Mr Maxwell and die olerk.

The clerk referred to the necessity for a revision of the bounds of the charges in the Presbytery. Hβ moved that the town ministers and their elders and the clerk be a committee to consider the question of the bounds of the congregational districts, and to report thereon. Or. Erwin referred to the case of Lmwood, where many Pjresby* terians were attending other churobee. The motion was agreed to. The Presbytery then went into committee, and on resuming adjourned.