SYDENHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1900, 27 March 1880, Page 3

SYDENHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The induction of the Boy. T. Robinson Cairns into the pastorate of the new Presbyterian Church, Sydenham, took place laat Thursday, in the St. Saviour's school-room. The Rev. Mr Burnett, of Halkett, preached the aormon ; the Rev. Mr Hill, of Lyttelton, put the customary questions to the new minister; the Rev. Mr Hall and the Rev. Mr Elmelio addressed the pastor and the people on their respective duties. On the conclusion of the ceremony, the members of the Presbytery adjourned to the Terminus Hotel to dinner. In the evening a tea and public meeting in connection with the event took place in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street. About five hundred persons sat down to the tables, which were furnished by the ladies of the Sydenham congregation, and were handsomely decorated with flowers and pot plants. On the conclusion or' the tea the public meeting was held, the Bev. Mr Hill occupying the chair as Moderator of the Sydenham Presbyterian Church. In the course of the evening addresses were delivered by the Revs. Hill, T. B. Cairns, O. Eraser, McKee, Waddell, J. S. Smalley, and Black. In the course of the evening sacred music was performed by the choir of the Sydenham Churoh, under the leadership of Mr Bobinson. Before the proceedings terminated, the Rev. T- B. Cairns, on behalf of the Sydenham congregation, presented a silver salver to the Bev. Mr Hill, bearing the following inscription :—" Presented to the Bev. Jas. Hill, of Lyttelton, by the Sydenham Presbyterian congregation, for his services as Moderator from its foundation to the induction of its first minister, March 25th, 1880." Shortly stated, the congregation was started about eighteen months ago by a few Presbyterians meeting once a week in the public sohoolroom, the Bev. A. Alexander, M.A., being placed in temporary charge. The congregation rapidly increased in numbers, and after a few months application was made to the Presbytery for its formation into a stated charge. The application being granted, the Bev. J. Hill, of Lyttelton, was appointed moderator. At the present time the congregation averages considerably over 200 on Sundays. After entertaining several applications for the pastorate, the congregation ultimately decided in favor of the Bev. T. B. Cairns, late of Ballina, Ireland, to whom they gave a call, which, as above stated, resulted in his induction to the charge. A site has recently been chosen for a church, and energetic steps are being taken for itf speedy erection, whioh it is contemplated will take place in the course of a few months.