PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 874, 13 April 1877, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met pro tp nata within St. Andrew’s Church on 27th March, and was constituted by devotional exercises. Present: Rev Charles Fraser, moderator and clerk, pro tern ; Rev John Elmslie, and Mr D. Duncan, elder. The Moderator stated that the object of the meeting, and read the requisition. On the motion of the Rev James Elmslie, seconded by Mr D- Duncan, the conduct of the Moderator was approved, and the Presbytery resolved to proceed to the consideration of the res natoe , viz : A call to the. Rev If. McCalhpn, from the Presbyterians of the Gust and Oxford district; apd an application fop authority to moderate in a call to the Rev James Hill from the congregation of St John’s, at Lyttelton.

The call was laid on the table signet} by thiytytwo persons, an'c} attested by My. McGregor, the Moderatoralso signed by fifty other persons in thp presence of Mr Orombie, a member of the Local Committee. Mr McCandlish appeared to represent the Oxford district. It was stated that the call was signed by many heads of families, who really represented several adherents. It was unanimously resolved to sustain the call and place it in the hands of Mr M'Callum, which was accordingly done. Mr M‘Callum thereon intimated his acceptance of the same. The Presbytery then unanimously resolved to meet ad hnne for the induction of Mr M'Callum at the Gust schoolroom on Thursday, the fifth day of April next at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the Rev. J. Mclntosh to preach, and in the absence of Mr McGregor, Mr Eraser to preside and induct and address the minister, and the Rev John Elmslie to address people on their several duties.

The Rev. Mr Elmslie then applied as Moderator of Kirk Session and congregation of St. John’s, Lyttelton, tor authority to moderate in a call to the Rev. James Hill of the Thames, Auckland, one of the ministers oi this church. It was stated that the call was absolutely unanimous, and that the congregation resolved to provide a stipend of £IOO per annum with £6O per annum for house rent in lieu of a manse. Mr Fvfo appeared as representing the Kirk Session, and Messrs Cunningham and J. D. Macpherson as representing the congregation. It was unanimously agreed to grant the application, and authorize’ the moderator ol congregation to moderate in a call at an early and convenient date.

The meeting was then closed with the benediction.