PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1250, 21 March 1878, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met in the Church, Papanui, on the 14th March, 1878, at 10 30 a.m., and was duly constituted with devotional exercises. Sederunt —The Revs. Messrs McCallum (Moderator), Douglas, Hill, Mcintosh, Campbell, Burnett, Fraser, Elmslie, Waddell, Nicholson, Horner, and McGregor (clerk). Minutes of former meetings were read and confirmed, and Mr Horner was associated to take part in the proceedings. Report of assessment for Presbytery expenses for 1877 was read, and on the motion of Mr Hill was unanimously approved. Letter from Mr McCallum was read, anent assessment, and no decision was given thereon. The Rev. Mr Douglas, convener on statistics committee, was requested to apply to the census enumerators for the information desired by the Presbytery. Mr Hill explained that through some misunderstanding, no arrangements had been made for the Presbytery meeting with the Church Extension Association. The Clerk read a letter he had received from the colonial committee stating what efforts were being made to send ministers and students to Canterbury. On the motion of Mr Hill, it was unanimously resolved that the clerk be instructed to thank the committee, and that the Presbytery will be glad to receive the students. Claims were put forth by individual members for students, when it was resolved that all claims be considered together, and that they be located in the most suitable and necessitous places. Mr Fraser introduced Mr Nicholson, missionary to the New Hebrides, from the Otago Synod. The Moderator cordially welcomed him in the name of the Presbytery, and wished liim God's blessing on his labours. The Rev. Mr Burnett introduced Mr W. S. Taylor, from Belfast, Ireland, as a catechisfc who was intending to study for the ministry, His certificates were laid on the table. Mr McGregor proposed that the Presbytery welcome Mr Taylor as a student within their bounds, and instruct theological hall committee to examine into Mr Taylor's credentials and qualifications, and report to the Presbytery as to what steps it is desirable to take in his case. Mr Fraser seconded, and it was agreed to. It was resolved to adjourn the meeting of Presbytery for an hour. The Moderator intimated that the Presbytery would meet again at 2 p.m., and closed with the Benediction. At 2 p.m. the Presbytery met again in the church, Papanui, for the induction of the Rev. Mr Horner, when a large congregation had assembled. Mr Waddell preached on the occasion a suitable sermon from Philippians, c. 3, v. 10. Mr McGregor narrated the hist ory of the call, put the questions to the ministerelect, and led the prayer previous ta induction. Mr Fraser addressed the inducted minister on his duties, Mr Douglas addressed the members of the congregation on their duties, and Mr Burnett explained the principles of Presbytery. At the close of the service, as the congregation retired, the Rev. Mr Horner was introduced to his people, and welcomed by the right hand of fellowship.