PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1297, 16 May 1878, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met on Thursday, 9th Me.y, 1878, in Bt. Andrew’s Church schoolroom, Christchurch, and was duly constituted with devotional exercises. Sederunt The Revs. Messrs McOallum (moderator), Horner, Waddell, Douglas, Elmslie, Mclntosh, Cree, Hill, Fraser, and McGregor (clerk). Mr Elmslie introduced Mr P. R. Munro to the Presbytery, and moved—“ That he be received as a student-evangelist to labor within the bounds.” Mr Cree seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. Mr Douglas, convener of committee on statistics, gave in his report. He stated that he had palled on Mr Malet, the census enumerator, but Mr Malet could not furnish the statistics required. Mr Douglas stated that the number oi Presbyterians within the bounds of the Christchurch and Timaru Presbyteries would be about 16,000. Mr Fraser moved—“ That the report be received, and that instructions be given to Mr Douglas to pursue the enquiry at the head office, Wellington.” Mr Elmslie seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Mr Fraser, convener on theological training, gave in the following report: — The committee on theological education beg to make the following recommendations as to the provision for the instruction of students within the bounds of this Presbytery, 1. That three ministers should be appointed to give in.-truction in the following branches : - (a) One for Biblical languages, criticism, and interpretation. (b) One for systematic divinity and evidences. (c) One for Church history and pastoral theology. 2. That until instruction in mental science is given in the Canterbury College, the three branches of psychology, ethics, and logic should he taught by the same ministers. 3. That the theological instruction should extend over three years, according to the following arrangements, or others to he submitted to the Presbytery by the ministers appointed as above: — First year'(a) Biblical hnguages; (b) Hodge, vol. i.; and (c) Church history, first seven centuries. Second year (a) Biblical languages and criticism; (b) Hodge, vol. ii.; and (c) Church history, the Middle Ages and Reformat! n. Third year (a) Biblical languages and interpretation; (b) Hodge vol. iii.; and (c) hntory of Presbyterian Church since the Reformation.

4. That the instruction should be mainly conducted by a areful examination upon textbooks as presernt d in the course of study approved by the Asembly. 5. That every tudent should be recommended in prosecuting hi studies in the Arts curriculum to take his degrei and that that no preliminary examination on he subjects covered by the degree should be repaired of those who do so. G. That in ccrriu cases students should be allowed to proseette their literary and theological studies simtfcaneously. (signed) 'has. Eraser, Convener. Jfr McGregor mved—“ That the report be generally approved Mr Cree secondel, and it was agreed to, Mr Hill moved—“ That the theological committee examine Mr Munro on his Arts curriculum, and the-eupon proceed to appoint hm his studies in tleology.” Mr Waddell secoided, and the motion was erried by a majority. Mr Fraser submitted a report from Halkett ad Kimberley, statng that they were prejred to give to a student evangelist £l5O per amm, and that, as Mr Taylor was unable to mtinuo hia duties, he applied for another. The report was unanimously approved as (isfactory. The Clerk read copy of reply sent to Home ilonial Secretary, thanking the committee r the labourers about to arrive. Mr Fraser moved that the clerk’s letter be jproved. Mr Elmslie seconded and it was agreed to. Commission of Mr P. R. Munro, from tlonial Secretary, was read and accepted. Letters from Mr Bruce, dated 20th March ad 10th April, and clerk’s reply of 28th larch, were read. Mr Hill moved —“That the clerk reply to Mr Jruce’s letter of 10th April, and inform him tiat Roderick McKenzie is designated by the home committee for Canterbury, and that he will be appointed accordingly to work within the bounds of this Presbytery.” Mr Elmslie seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. Cnuns for students were considered, and Mr I -user moved—“ That Mr Munro be op-pointet-to preach in Halkett and Kimberley for the n, x f three months, commencing with Sabbath, l«-,h May, in terms of the application already made, and that Mr Roderick McKenzie be to assist Mr McGregor at Kaiapoi and on his arrival.” Mr Elmslie Beco-ffied, and it was agreed to. Mr McGregor that he had learned that Wainui had not paid its quota to the minister’s stipend during the past year. Mr Eraser moved ~“T*at the Presbytery recommend Mr Douglas to devote his special attention and his Sabbath services to Akaroa, Pigeon Bay, and Duvauchelle’s Bay, and to encourage the residents of the puttying districts to provide means for au additional labourer.” Mr Slsulif moM, oadit ru •fnwd tc.

Mr Cree submitted for Presbytery’s approval the plans of the new church for Leeston.

Mr Elm alia moved —“ That the] plans be approved of.” Mr Hill seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Mr Hill moved—“ That the Presbytery should sec that each congregation take up the collections to all the schemes of the Church, and that ministers report to the following meeting the sum collected, and if sent to the treasurer of the Church, Auckland.” Mr Elmslie seconded, and it was carried by a majority. The meeting was closed with the benediction.