PRESBYTERIAN UNION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 July 1901, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN UNION.

[PEE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.]

(PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION).

Sydney, July 2-1. To-day was an epoch-making day for Presbyteriam. The Union of the great church waa consummated and the ceremony was worthy of the occasion. Such a representative gathering as assembled at thel Town Hall to witness the great deed done was never before seen in Australia. Tbe Eev. Dr Carnes on, Moderator of the N. S. Wales Assembly, presided, and supported by the Moderators of other Assomblhs, in cap and gown, occupied tho platform. The delegates of tho Scottish and English Presbyterian Churches were present and the great hall was crowded with Ministers and representative laymen. After singing the Old Hundredth psalm and a prayer, the scheme of Union constituting tho Presbyterian General Assembly of Australia was read amidst an impressive silence. The Moderators of Now South W Queensland South Australia, Tasmanian, and the West Australian churches attached their signatures. The Chairman declared the Union consummated and the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia was formed amidst a burst of enthusiasm.

Tho installation of Eev.J. Meiklejohn of Victoria, who since 1892 has acted as convener of tho Union Committee and taken a prominent part in bringing to a successful issue as moderator the General Assembly, followed. The new Moderator, in a thoughtful speech, traced the history of the Union movement and expressed thankfulness that God enabled them to enter the Union because he believed that the work of the churches, which was a matter of common interest should be done by tho united effort. It was more likely to be effective if the Union had needed some sacrifice of sentiment, but not principle.

In the evening a groat public meeting was held in the Town Hall for the reception of the visiting delegate. The Rev. Theo Marshall (of the Church of Scotland , Rev Thos Whiteland, Rev Professor Ivoraoh, Rev Lewes Davidson (of the United Free Church), Rev Geo. Hanson (of the Presbyterian Church of England), and Rev J L Elliot (New Zealand) were expected, but failed to put in an appearance.

The heads of tho Wesleyan Conference Baptist churchei were present. The Lieut Governor was to have presided, but was prevented, tho Piov Dr Brown taking his place. Speeches were delivered by visitors and others congratulatory of the Union.