PRESBYTERY OF CANTERBURY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 193, 21 January 1875, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CANTERBURY.

The presbytery met on Thursday, January 15th, at St Andrew's schoolroom, Christchurch, and were constituted with devotional exercises. Sederunt—Rev J. W. Cree, Moderator ; Revs M'Gowan, Fraser, A. F. Douglas, W. Douglas, Horner, Messrs Johnston and Cameron, elders, and Rev W. M'Gregor, clerk.

Commissions were laid on the table from St Paul's, Christchurch, in favor of Mr Cameron, elder, and from united sessions of Kaiapoi and Rangioia, in favor of Mr Johnston which were sustained. Rev W. H. Horner was chosen moderator of presbytery for the current year. Rev Mr Fraser, moderator of the Ashburton district, introduced Messrs Williamson, Miller, and M'Farlane, as a deputation from that district, who had come to plead before the Presbytery that authority might be granted to take the usual steps for moderating in a call to a minister for that district. Mr Fraser stated they were prepared to build a manse or purchase a house for the residence of a minister at once, and also to offer a stipend of not less than £250 per annum. Mr Williamson explained that £2lO would be forthcoming by subscriptions, and the collections at services would make up the balance, and that they also promised to pay off their obligation to the association as soon as possible. Mr Miller confirmed Mr Williamson's statement, and believed that if the minister they had chosen was settled in their midst more subscriptions would be gathered. Mr McFarlane confirmed the statements of the other deputies, adding that the people were unanimous in the choice of a pastor. Rev Mr McGowan moved—" That the application from the Ashburton be granted, and authority be given to moderate in a call to a minister, contingent upon the promised stipend of £250 per annum being recognised as the minimum, exclusive of a manse." Rev Mr Cree seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. There being no reply from Mr Burnet relative to the call from Prebbleton and Lincoln, the clerk was instructed to ask him for a categorical reply forthwith. Rev A. F. Douglas presented a call from the Amuri in favor of Rev Mr McGregor, who acted as Moderator in his place, to narrate proceedings. Rev Mr McGregor stated that on November 22nd he moderated in the call at the Waiau township, when Mr Campbell was proposed, seconded, and unanimously elected minister. The whole of the people in the district were unanimous *in their choice, and felt kindly disposed towards him, He referred at length to the difficulties and arduous duties of the pastor in such a district, that the brethren ought to encourage Mr Campbell in his work in the Lord. Rev W. McGowan regretted there was no house as yet at the Waiau, and that Mrs Champbell should be separated from her husband in his work. He trusted the committee would use all diligence in building a manse, and moved that the call laid on the table be sustained as a gospel call to Mr Campbell to be pastor of the Amuri district.

A letter was laid on the table from Mr Campbell intimating his acceptance of the call.

Rev A. F. Douglas seconded the motion. Mr Campbell's induction to take place on Tuesday, February 2nd, at the Waiau township ; the Bev W. Douglas to preach ; Rev A, F. Douglas to put the question, induct, and address the pastor, and Rev W. McGregor to address the people. The meeting closed with the benediction.