THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Evening Star, Issue 3098, 23 January 1873, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Yesterday. first church. The Gonjnajttee on the First Church application for pecuniary assistance to enable them to complete the new ecfilipo, broH-ht up a report from which it appeared that the total cost of the church according to contract was 1.14,000, to which were to he added architect’s commission, advertising, &c , L7lO 2s 6d; inspector’s fees, 1.57 10s; making a total of L14.7G7 12s 6d; that payments jto the contractors had only been made to tiie extent of tjje accrued funds from the manse reserve; tha-t the church was near completion, but the Deacon?’ Cpupt wcqtld be unable to get posse?sion of it untjl the whole of the above sum was paid; that the Synod bad only voted 1,14,000; that the Deacons’ Court had no funds from which they copld meet the demand; that the sum stated represented the bare cost of the building and approaches to it; that it would be necessary to erect fencing and properly drpip the land, at an estimated cost of Ll.OGO; and the Synod was desired to make provision for the payment of the L14,7G712s Od, so that the Deacons’ Court might obtain, possession qf the building on completion, and also vote money sutffcieuf, to cover the cost of fencing and drainage. The Committee recommended the Deacons’ ( our . to raise tjie money required by mortgaging the rents to accrue from the manse properties. The Moderator explained that the Committee bad bad several meetings vvith the Deacons’ Court and the University Committee, tie result being the report which had been read. Unfortunately, as convener of the Committee, ho differed from the recommendation of the Committee, and asked the leave of the Synod to explain his views. From the first he had held that the Church was legally and morally hound to carry out to their fullest extent the instructions which the Synod gave to the Deacons’ Court many years ago, to provide themselves a suitable church. The Deacons’ Court took steps to do so, and the nature and character of the church they proposed to build was known to the Synod years before the contract was entered upon. The amount which the contract impded, L14,00U, was known to the Synod, who knew equally well that there would be large and necessarily additional expenses before the building would be completed. Me, therefore, considered the Synod was under a legal and moral obligation to make every tiling about that church complete and perfect, in order to fulfil their trust as administrators of the fund Had he not been in the chair at the Committee meeting he would have seconded the motion proposed by the Dev. Mr Stobo, which he hoped the Synod would unanimously adopt, both as affecting its honor, and as fulfilling its legal duty. That motion was to eontn. Bute the 1-14,000, together with the L 1,707 12a Gd, set forth in the minutes of the Deacons’ Court, on the condition that the latter body shonld give a certificate that no further giant would be asked for in respect j

of the erection of the church, and that the present church building should be handed over to the Synod in lieu of the L 1,500 for which it was mortgaged. By adopting that motion, the Synod would be placing itself well before the First Church, its own Church, and the community at large, and bo removing what otherwise would, he felt sure, be a serious bone of contention amo <g the congregation for some time to come. He would not like to sec the Synod riding the high horse over the Deacons’ Court, nor would lie like to see the latter body cherishing a feeling that it had been dealt with unjustly or illegally. He had not been in communication with any members of the Deacons’ Court, so as to know whit was likely to be the result of carrying the committee’s recommendation ; but for himself he had no hesitation in saying that the result would be to lead to sciious complications with the Syno I. Mr Gillies moved the adoption of the report, and denied that the Synod was eitlx r morally or legally lx und to grant the money applied for. In 18:8 it voted the additional L 4 000, on the understanding that it was a settlement of all claims, and it was so understood on all hands. The Rev. Mr Stojbo moved an amendment in terms exactly similar to that which he proposed at the Committee meeting. IUJSINESS, The Rev. Mr Todd moved “That, in view of the desirability of the nature of the business coming before the Synod lining known by the members as early as possible, and for the better conducting thereof, resolve that the overtures, petition*, reports, &c., be transmitted to the Synod Cierk, care of Mr 'inith General Treasurer, Dunedin, not later than the Monday preceding the meeting of the Synod ; and that the following Committee be appointed to print the same, so as to have all the papers on the table of the Synod the first day of meeting, viz , the City Ministers and representatives, elders, with Synod ( h-rlc.” The motion was agreed to. ADDRESSES. The Rev, Michael Watt moved, " That arrangements be made whereby a number of addresses be delivered by members of the Synod on subjects relating to the work of the ministry, and other similar subjects.” Mr J. P. Millar seconded the motion pro form 'The Revs. Dr Copland and Mr Gow opposed the motion on the grounds of impracticability. The Rev. Dr Stuart thought that the idea was a good one, but did not think that the Synod would have time to carry it into effect. He was of opinion, however, fhat it would be beneficial to administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Sup C r at the opening of each session of the Synod. The Lev. Michael Watt then said, as it was not likely his motion would meet with support, he would withdraw it. Withdrawn accordingly. ELEC I lON OF CHURCH OFFICERS. Mr Walls, holding that in ouvenience arose from the present practice of the Church in the clcctxn of church officer.!, and that the ancient practice was more suitable than that in use, proved— *• 'That, in rule 27, page 9, of the rules of procedure be inserted between the words ‘ duly elected ’ and ‘ for a time of three years,’ and that an annual election of office bearers take place, one-third of the elders and one-third of the deacons to retire annually. In the first election made under this rule, those who have the lowest number of votes to retire first ; and that the above be sent down to Presbyteries for their consideration, and to report at next meeting of Synod.”

The motion was agreed to. COMMITTEE ON DRAFT RULES,

It was agreed to continue the committee | on draft rides of procedure appointed at previous meeting, and that the committee report at next meeting of Synod. The Rev. Andrew Stevens was added to the committee, FIRST CHURCH LOAN. The Rev. Dr Copland resumed the debate on this question, and moved, as an amendment, that no further grants towards First Church be recommended, but that arrangements bo made to pay the Deacons Court such sum additional to what has been already paid, as will as make up the amount to LI,OO 'on completion of the new building, and that on condition of their taking possession of the same, and vacating th : present building and site, the remaining portion of the Synod’s grant, amounting to 1/1,00 *,be pajfl wi hin six months thereafter, and that the present church be taken in lien of 1.1.500, on condition that the Deacons’ Court accept of said sum of L 1,500 as full discharge of all claims for said building. Xhe Rev. Mr Kylev seconded the amendment. The Revs, Messrs Todd, M*Losh Smith, and Dr Stpart supported, and the Revs. Messrs dobnsoi), Clark, Will, and Mr Rennie opposed any further grant. The Rev. Mr Bannerman said it was in? cumbcnt on the Synod, in accordance with the Ordinance of the Provincial Council passed in 1801, to see that the First Church was completed and made comfortable for the congregation to worship in, and until that was done the iSynod had no legal claim on the residue of the Trust Fund. After some further discussion, the question was put, whep Rr Copland’s amendment was declared carried by a majority of If/ votes to 5. Mr J. P. Millar,, in his own name and the name of all adhering, dissented from the decision of the Synod, and submitted reasons, A Committee was then appointed to consider and report upon reasons for dissent to next meeting of • s ynod. The Synod f.hen adjourned until ieil o’clock this morning.

This Day, The Moderator took the chair at 10 o’clock, NEW HEBRIDES MISSION, The Moderator said that a note had been placed in his hand, intimating that a second sum of LSO had been presented towards the maintenance of another missionary in the New Hebrides mission. The Moderator was requested to present the thanks of the Synod to the donor. FIRST CHURCH CHANT. The following are the grounds of dissent from tlpc resolution passed at previous sederunt of Messrs,!. P. Miller,' Charles Cqnnor, Thomas Alexmder, James MCManghton, Wales, and John Waters: Dunedin Chuivh Lauds Ordinance, ISGI, vested in the ’ resbyterian Church of Otago the land known as the Manse Deserve, for the purpose, among others, of erecting a church and manse for the First Church of Otago, and that the erection of such should form a first charge from funds accruing from such reserve. (2.) That it rests upon this Synod to complete thoroughly the church now in course of erection, in virtue of the authority given by the Supreme Court to the Deacons’Court of First Church, (,T) That the resolution carried as a refusal to implement the responsibilities resting on this Synod, as bound to carry out the Dunedin Church Lauds Ordinance, is consequently a violation of said Ordinance.

The Committee appointed to consider the objections, brought up the following answers (1.) Th ; dissentients have not correctly stated the position of the Synod under the Church Land Ordinance, ISGI. By that ordinance the Manse Reserve property is vested in the Superintendent on trust for the Presbyterian ‘ hureh of Utago. The highest Court of t >e Church is constituted sole administrator of the fun ,s accrung from the vents of that property. As adininLtrator of the funds the Synod is not hound to erect a church and manse for the First Church (Dunedin Church Lands Ordinance, 18G1, section 4) on Church hill. The limits of that grant must of course be deter*

mined by the a 1 ministration of the funds, not the recipients of the grant. (2.) In their second reason the dissentients assert, without any attempt at proof, that the Synod gave authority to the First Church to proceed with the church now in course of erection, and s© are bound to complete it. The fact is, however, that the Synod was never asked to give such sanction, but only to give a grant towards the erection of a church,' which they, did but all along persistently refused to become responsible for any contracts into which the Deacons’ < ourt might enter. (3.) The resolution carried and dissented from, is not a refusal to implement the responsibilities resting on the Synod under the Dunedin Church Lauds Ordinance, 1861, but a mere administrative carrying out of the resolution of the Synod of 1871, which finally fixed the limit of the grant to be given to the First Church, and from which there was no dissent taken by any party at the time it was passed.” Aft'-r some discussion, the raatt-.r was re* ferred to the Finance Committee and Treasurer for disposal. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The names of Messrs Wales and Begg were added to the Finance Committee. The Rev, Mr Gillies then brought up the report ot the committee as follows Sustontalion Fund,—The total sum collected for the past year in connection with this fund was LG,215 16s sd, sho.viug an increase for the year of L 613 10s 7d. Owing, however, to the. increased number of ministers on the funds, the dividend payable to each minister is nearlv the same as last year, viz , for 1872, LIB 7 19s 8d; ls?l, LlB7 12s. The congregational contributions to this fund are -Knox Church, L4OB 17s 101 ; East Taiovi, 1 304 ISs Gd ; West Taicri, L 295 12s; Tokomairiro, L 251 Is 61 ; First Church, L 243 6s od ; St. Andrew’s, L 242 14s 61 ; Oamaru, L 227 10s lOd ; Invercargill, L 225 ; Queenstown, L 206 2s 6d; Otepopo, L 204 18s ; Mount Ida, L 203 Is ; North Dunedin, L2OO ; Palmerston, L2OO ; Popotunoa, LIS6 6s 4d ; Oteramikn, L 172 2s ; Green Island, L 165 2s; Switzers, LIGO ; Waikouaiti, LI60; Anderson’s Bay, L 156 8s 6d ; N.E Harbour, L 153 Is 6d ; Teviot, L 152 j Wallacetown, LJ4O 5s ; Clutha, L 135 8s ; Waihola, L 132 17s ; Port Chalmers, Ll3l 4s ; North Taieri, Ll2O 2s; Hampden, LlO6 7s 6d. There were seven congregations vacant for part of the year, so the sums credited [to them do not represent their contributions for the whole ; they are—Pomahaka, L 133 10s ; Inch Clutha, L 132 17s; Kaikorai, L 125 10s; Lawrence, LI 12 ; Riverton, LlO7 17s ; Balclutha, LBS ; Wareya, L 73.

Mission Fund.—Credit t'alance at the beginning of the year, L 144 13s 5d ; congregational contributions during the year, 1521 11s (id ; donations, LG ; special subscriptions to Chinese mission, l 16 16s; total income for the. year, L 544 7s 6d; expenditure, L 412 17s 5d ; excess of revenue over expenditure, Ll3l 10s Id, which, with last year's balance, makes the fund in hand L 276 3s 6d. This large balance arises from the removal of M r Blake from the Maori mission. Ha ithis part of (he Churh’s operations been continued the income would not have met the necessary expenditure. Day-spring Fund,—The contributions to this fund show a very considerable decreise for the year, but this is accounted for by the fact that last year a special appeal Was made for extra contributions for repairs required by the mission vessel. • Stj I, only 22 congregations out of the 36 sanctioned charges have contributed to this fund during the past year. The total contributed was L 195 7s lOd The Dayspriug being such a necessary to the carrying on of the mission operations in the New Hebrides, it is to be hoped that the congregations will not fail in their interest in supplying this fund. Church Extension Fund. - Credit balanceat beginning of year, Lll 9s 3d ; congregational contributions, L3SB 3s 9d; donations. L 33 7s 81; total L 433 8s ; expenditure, i 344 14s ; leaving a credit balance of LB3 6s 81. The following five congregations were vacant for part of the year, and contributed to the funds as follows: Kaikorai, L 25 17s; Lawrence, CB3 11a; Riverton, L 47 11s; Winton, L723s 3d ; Alexandra, Lls Other churches contributed as follows : -Knox Church, I 23 18s 2d ; St. Andrew’s, Ll3 10s; West Taieri, 1.13 7s; Omiaiu, L 8 Os 8d; Invercargill, L 7 12s 3d ; Green Island, L 7 ; First Church, L 7 ; Fast Taieri, L 6 ; Wakatipu, Lo 17s 4d; Tokomairiro, L 5 14s Is; Otepopo, L 5 Is 6d; Anderson’s Bay, L 5 ; Clutha, L43s ; Waihoja, L 3 8s 6d; Palmerston, LS 5s 81; N. B. Harbor, L 3 4s; Waltahuna, L2 14s 8d; Inch Clutha, L2 12s :»Balelntha, L2 IQs ; Oteramika. L2 10s ; Waikouaiti, 12 9s 101 ; Port Chalmers, L 3 fis 6d ; hj orth Dunedin, L2 ; Teviot, LI 15s ; Hampden, LI • Wallacetown, LI; North Taieri, 13s; and Popotunoa, 8s 4d. Passage Expenses Fund.—There is at present to the credit of this fund L 135 6s 4d. Th ‘ liability at home for ministers already in the * olony is ah' ut L 240 : thus 1 aving a debt over I.iCO Agal”-t fund. Tu? Synod having, in consideration of the great necessities of thp Province, agreed to send for six additional ministers," the expense attendant on the bringing ont of whom may be reckoned about at iviOi), strenuous efforts will require to be made by the Church at large to meet the liability. Your Committee would strongly urge upon the ministers of the Church to see that the claims of this fund, and its great importance, are fully brought before the congregations. Theological College. Revenue for the year, LJ2O 3s -fl ; expenditure, Ifi Is, To tal sum now amounted to L 550 2s S.

Scholarship Fund. —The Lang Scholarship fund amounts to L 246 12s 6d, the interest on which affords an annual bursary of L2O. To the ere lit of the eiynod 'rcholar ship there is L4B 7s. Ecclesiastical Trust Fund. —Credit balance at beginning of year, LIS9 4s ; revenue, twothirds of renuJ, 1 2s IQL aid Manse grant, L 60- Balance in hand,

Educational fur/l- —Revenue, one-third of rentals, L4U 11s 3d ; interest, LI: tota}, LSS3 lls 3d Expenditure, L 538 12s. Amount of capital fund, L 2,493 16s Id.

Manse Reserve Fund.—Balance in hand at beginning of year, L 1,743 Is 41 ; income for the year L 9 2 Is Id ; expenditure, Lll2 Is 5A ; payments' to First Church during the year, L 1,737 10s ; balance now in baud, L 835 I Is.

The General Balance Sheet shows the amount of contributions throughout the Church for the past year to 'have been L 14.560 Os 4d. This is a less sum than was reported last year, but a comparison of the two sheets will show that the decrease is not oh the ’funds contributed for general ChurUh purposes, but on those for congregational objects. It is gratifying to the Committee to observe the very marked increase in the number of the congregations contributing to the various church funds, and would recommend to the Synod that the instructions to Presbyteries be renewed to see that all the congregations within their hounds make the various collections enjoined by the Syilod. To the General Treasurer the thanks of the Synod are specially due for the manner in which he conducts the whole business of the Church entrusted to him.

The report was unanimously adopted, and a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the Kcv, Mr GillieS, the Convener of the Finance Committee, for the trouble he had taken in compiling the report. ' ' After some other business of an unimportant character bad been transacted, the Moukimtor addressed the Synod and closed the proceedings with prayer. The Synod then adjourned until the second Wednesday in January, 1874.

An effort will shortly be made to raise sufficient capital to work the quicksilver deposits in the Bay of Islands district. A similar venture in tan Louis. California, has recently been deemed a sufficient object for the lioating of a comoany with a capital of WUO.OOO.