THE PRESBYTERY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1201, 9 August 1911, Page 8

THE PRESBYTERY.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. HIGHLY SATISFACTORY REPORT. Tho monthly meeting of the Wellington Presbytery was hold at St.- John's Church yesterday' morning, , tho Rev. I?. Inglis,. M.A., presiding in (he absence of the Moderator.Tho commission appointed to carry out the visitation of St. John's, Wellington, reported its great gratification with the healthy and satisfactory condition of the congregation. There is a membership of 700, and an aiteudanco at public worship of about 1100. The financial affairs or the congregation are in a most flourishing condition, ami spiritually St. John s is the centre of many and varied activities which give the congregation ft foremost place among the forces which make for righteousness in the city of Wellington. The minister, notwithstanding the multifarious public duties pertaining to his office, is able to maintain a very high standard of pulpit , efficiency and pastoral diligence; and is supported by a largo and efficient body of elders and managers. A splendid work 'is being carried on among young men and women,' there being no fewer than seven Biblo Classes. The commission recognises tho difficult problem created by tho tendency of the city population to driit to the suburbs, but finds that in spite of this St. John's has been able to more than hold its own. Tho minister, office-bearer.-;, and congregation arc commended to the blessing of the great Head of the Church. Permission was granted to the Johnsonvillo congregation to take the steps necessary to the erection of a school hall. A resolution of sympathy with the Rev. J. Paterson was carried in the following terms: "The Pre.-bytery notes with sincere regret that since the last meeting tho. Rev. Jas. Paterson, senior minister of Si'. John's, Wellington, has been bereaved of his wife. This court now heartily extends to him and to his family in their affliction our sincere assurances of sympathy. We recognise tho good work the deceased lady did for our church, particularly in tho early days of settlement,'when there was littlo organisation, and help was urgently required. We rejoice that during her long period of suffering the consolations of Goil were not small with her, and that she was enabled to surrender herself prayerfully and patiently to the divine will. We now commit and commend the sorrowing family to the compassionate care of the everwise Disposer of all events, Who does not afflict willingly, Who has proved' Himself to be tho refuge and strength of His people, and their present help in trouble, and we pray that all needed grace and comfort may sustain the hearts that' are crushed and lonely, and that the. sad event may be sanctified to all." A resolution of sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. S. Buchanan in the death of their son wa* also carried. Tho Presbytery discussed the Papal decran on inixed inarriages, which was condemned in very strong terms. Owing to great pressure on our space the report of this part of the proceedings has hail to bo held over until to-morrow.