THE PASTORATE OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3732, 2 July 1883, Page 3

THE PASTORATE OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

[To the Editor of the Daily Teleglaph.] Sir—Although not a believer in congregational disagreements, more especially when such are paraded in print, I must nevertheless express entire concurrence in the views expressed by tho two correspondents who havo written to the press on the above subject. The selection of a suitable person to the pastorate of a church in connection with the Presbyterian body has from time immemorial been the work of the congregation, and therefore for members of a court of management to step outside their functions —which ars nothing more or less than the management of the financial affaira of the church —and assume those of being sole judges in this matter, without knowing thoroughly tho man who is to be their spiritual adviser, is assuming not only an unwarrantable but ridiculous position. The most Strange part of the matter is in the strict secrecy surrounding this appointment. The first intimation the congregation received of the matter was yestcrdaj', and tonight a meeting is to be held in respect thereto. On Wednesday the Presbytery meets, and the final settlement, I presume, will be made The haste in this matter is scarcely consistent with what is expected in the ordinary transactions connected with every-day life, aud cannot be expected to shed much histro on tho appointment. I hope the members of the congregation will to-night speak forth with no uncertain sound, and refuse to ratify the appointment of Mr Ross until they are" in a position to consistently do so.—l am, Sec, Another Member.

July 2, 1883