PRESBYTERIANISM.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 166, 25 July 1901, Page 2

PRESBYTERIANISM.

A GREAT DAY FOR THE CHURCH. It. GST REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING EVER SEEN IN AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph—lb-ess Association—Copyright Sydney, July 24. To-day was an epoch-making day in Presbyterianism. Tho union of tho great Church was consummated with ceremonies worthy of the occasion. Such a reprosentath e gathcringjas assembled at the Town Hall to witness the great dood had never beforo been seen in Australia. Tho Rev. Dr Cmneron, Moderator of the New South Wales Assembly, presided, and was supported by tho Moderators of other assemblies, who, in cap and gown, occupied tho platform. Delegates of the Scottish and English Prcsbytorian Churchos were present, and the great hall was crowded with ministers and representative laymen. After singing tho Hundredth Psaliu, anl prayer, the scheme of union and constitution of tho Presbyterian Goneral Assembly of Australia was read amidst impressive silence. The Moderators of the New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland, South Ausliau, Tasmanian, and West Australian Churches attached their signatures, and tho Chairman declared tho Union consummated, and tho first General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of Australia was formed amidst a burst of enthusiasm. Tho installation of the Rev. J. Meiklejolm, of Victoria, who since 1892 has acted as convenor of the Union Committco, and has taken a prominent part in bringing it to a successful issuo, as moderator of tho General Assembly, followed. The new moderator, in a thoughtful spcoch, traced tho history of the union movement, and expressed thankfulness to God that they had been onablod to enter into tho union, because ho believed tho work of the churches, which was a matter of common interest, should be done by united offort, which was moro likely to bo effective by union. To bring about tho Union had needed some sacrifice of sentiment, but not of principlo. 1.l the evening a great public meeting was held in the Town Hall for the rccopsion of the visiting delegates, who were: Tho Rev. Theo. Marshall, of the Church of Scotland , Rev. Thomas Whitolaw, Rev. Professor Ivcrch, Rev. Lewis Davidson, of tho United Free Church; Rev. Gcorgo Hanson, of tho Prcsbytorian Church of England. Tho Rev. J. K. Elliott, of New Zealand, was expected, but failed to put in an appearance. Tho heads of tho Wcslcyau, Congregational, and Baptist Churches were present. The Lieut.-Governor was to havo prosided, but was prevented from doing so, and tho Rev. Dr. Cameron took his place Speeches were delivered by visitors and others, congratulatory tho Union.