INDUCTION OF THE REV. B. DRAKE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 670, 19 February 1875, Page 2

INDUCTION OF THE REV. B. DRAKE.

The Clutha Presbytery met at Cromwell on Thursday last. The members present were the Revs. Messrs Bannerman, Cameron, and Telford, who all took part in the several services connected with the induction of a minister according to the rules of the Presbyterian Church The Presbyterian congregation having met (a large number being present) divine service was conducted by the Rev. Mr Bannerman, who preached an eloquent and appropriate sermon from Psalm xcviii., verse 5, “ Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound,” after which he narrated the steps that had been taken in connection with the appointment of Mr Drake as the recognised new pastor of the congregation. The usual questions appointed by the Presbyterian Church were put to Mr Drake in the presence of the congregation, and were satisfactorily answered, when he was “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church, and by the authority of the Presbytery, admitted to the pastoral charge of Cromwell and surrounding district, receiving in token thereof the right hand of fellowship.” Addresses to the newly-inducted minister and congregation were delivered by Messrs C 'moron and Telford, the former gentleman dwelling on the insffiuciency of mere human agency, and the need there was of the Spirit’s help and blessing. He exhorted M r Drake to remember the aid promised by the Great Shepherd for the furtherance of the work of salvation, and the divine duty he, as an ambassador of Christ owed his flock. Mr Telford dwelt, at considerable length, upon the claims of the minister to the esteem, the attendance, the prayers, and support of the congregation—claims which, in very eloquent and forcible language the rev. gentleman urged them to recognise and fulfil. At the close of the service Mr Drake, accompanied by Mr Cameron, took his position at the door of the School-house (where the services had been conducted), and he there received a hearty welcome from the members of the congregation, who one and a’l took him by the hand as he retired.

A Soired took place immediately after, in the Athenaeum, and was an unqualified success. The spread reflected the highest credit upon the caterer, Mr James Scott, and was a decided improvement upon anything of the kind, seen at, Cromwell. Mr M'Kellar, Mr Feigns, Mr Taylor, and the Mayor took a prominent part, as did a'so a number of ladies and business ren'e. The Rev. Mr Drake presided, and the Cromwell Band discoursed sweet me'ody. The Revs. Bannerman, Cameron, and Telford also deli vero 1 addresses. The proceedings closed at e’even o’clock, and the following day the '■' liters took their departure h v reach. 'x-

pressing themselves well satisfied with their looeption.