WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1827, 13 August 1913, Page 2

WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY.

Tho Wellington Presbytery met at St. John's Schoolroom last night, Rev. A. C. llanderson, M.A., presiding. Plans for tho enlargement of the Kolburno Churchroom were submitted and approved of, and sanation was given to tho congregation to tako the stops necessary to carry tlie scheme into effect. A avquiest from the Board of Managers of St. Andrew's for permission to sell tho old manse site on The Terraco was acceded to.

The Ecv. J. Gibson Smith reported that tho Commission'of the Presbytery had mot with tho minister and officer-bearers of tho Lower llutt congregation. They ivoro greatly gratilied with the amount of progress made by the congregation under the Rov. J. M'Caw's ministry. The Commission expressed the hope that sinco so good a foundation has l>een laid, the whole congregation will unite to carry on the work to a. still higher level of efficient servica Tho Rev. J. Jl'Ca-w reported ths election of a session at Upper Hutt.

A letter was read from the licv. Wm. Dtjuglas, M.A., tendering his resignation of the Evans ,Bay charge as from August 31. The sole reason for this step was that lie felt th'e time kid arrival for him to retire from the active duties and responsibilities of a charge, so that a younger man might be appointed as pastor. A deputation from tho Evans Bay congregation was received bv the Pnsbytcry. Mr." •!. Smith expressed regret that through declining years Mr. Douglas felt compelled to reagn. He was loved as a friend by tlile congregation and by many outside, and by 'his ministrations had drawn together a considerable congregation. They -unwillingly acquiesced in tho resignation. Scv : oral other members of the. deputation spoko of flu® esteem awl affection in which Jlr. Douglas is held. The I?ev. J. Palerson said that, their course was clear, however mucb they might regret having to tako it. lie moved that the resignation bo received with veiy great regret. This was seconded by the Lev. J. Gibson Smith, and agreed to. It was resolved to place on record their great appreoiation of Mr. Douglas's life and work as a Christian minister, lie came 'to this charge with a record of devoted service, and with the e-tcom of fhosa among whom lie had live<l and worked, lie has continued to labour with great diligence, ond manifest success in the recently-formed charge, of L\ans Bav His work as preacher, pastor, and organiser is fully appreciated. He has been able to gather the people, and i-> manifested ill a communion roll with 14° iliembjrs, the erection ol two church building-, and in many other ways. Members of the Presbvtery have always louml him to he brothsrlv, wise, and earnest in his intercom's? with .them. Thev regret that he is leaving their me-.linjs, but will follow him in his retirement after M year.?service with earnest prayer and good wishes. 11 was decided to ask the Gemral As-emblv to grant Jlr. Douglas the position of minister emeritus, with j «t in th» As'emblv ami Presbytery. Hie l>cv. W. .T. (-'oniric was appointed interim -McdiT.ilor.