KAIAPOI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1993, 14 July 1880, Page 2

KAIAPOI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A meeting of members was hold in this church on Tuesday afternoon. Twenty-five were present. The Rev. J. Elmslie (Moderator), Rev. D. Bruce and Rev. J. McKee attended from the Presbytery.

The Chairman stated that the commission had been appointed as the result of a conference between the members of that church and the Presbytery of Christchurch in reference to their pastor holding the positions of minister and school teacher. As the result of that interview, the Rev. W. McGregor had agreed to resign his pastorate if his stipend was paid to July 15th. The first proposition on which he would resign was that he should receive the retiring allowance, in addition to arrears of salary, but he waived that, and was willing to give up at once, ou the terms that he he paid to the date named. Those who represented the church at the Presbytery stated that they were prepared to guarantee the salary to April, but said that they must ask the congregation to agree to the payment till July 15th. It was with this object that the present meeting was convened. For the sake of the peace of the church, he trusted that this arrangement would be endorsed and acted upon. Mr Elder had written to say he would agree to it. Mr McGregor had sent a statement showing that the amount due to him was £143 3s. Mr Kidd asked if Mr McGregor had resigned. The Chairman replied that he had authority to say that so soon as the proposed settlement was agreed to Mr McGregor would resign, and a pro re nata meeting of Presbytery would be called next week to receive this resignation, as well as appoint a Moderator. Mr C. Young wished to know how matters would stand if the congregation should not consent to the arrangement. The Chairman explained that the whole question would be referred back to the Presbytery and hung up for two months longer. Rev. Mr Bruce advised the early settlement of the question, in order to bring about a state of harmony and promote the welfare of the church. Rev. Mr McKee understood that Mr McGregor was the choice of the people some years ago, and had worked well for them. He was not pressing for his salary, but would accept £IOO in three months and the balance in six months.

Mr Young thought that in the state of the finances the congregation might meet the claim in six months.

Key. Mr Bruce said tbat Mr McGregor would not object to that even. Mr Johnston inquired if those were the only terms on which Mr McGregor would resign. The Chairman explained that after a deal of discussion this was the point referred to this deputation to obtain information upon. Mr J. Stevenson understood at the Presbytery that the congregation would only be expected to pay salary to April, when Mr McGregor accepted the position of teacher. The congregation had suffered, and he moved “ That the salary be paid to April only.” The Chairman said Mr McGregor had also suffered in having to take his present situation. Mr J. Clark said the present church committee would agree to the payment to July 15th. They had £2 10s in hand ; £l2 3s 8d had been paid Mr McGregor during the last three months. Mr Kidd held that Mr McGregor was not entitled to be paid as minister and teacher too; whatever he received in the latter situation onght to be credited against the former. He objected to these proposals if they were the only terms of peace. He was

prepared to assist in settling up to April,, and, if the congregation was unanimous, to July. Mr Young moved—“ That the meeting accede to the proposal, and pav Mr McGregor to July 15th.” Mr W. Milligan seconded. Ho advocated a speedy arrangement of Church affairs, and a return to unity and harmony, setting aside all personal feeling. Mr Stevenson moved his proposal as an amendment. Mr W. Eobb seconded. Mr Campbell wished to know if proxies would be taken. _Mr Kidd thought they ought to be recognised. He held a paper on which about eighty persons gave authority to Messrs Milligan, Johnston, Stevenson and himself to act as their proxies. The Chairman could not entertain that proposal. Due notice had been given of the meeting, the time of which had been fixed at the suggestion of the members of the Kaiapoi Church. The amendment and motion were put, and the votes were equal on both sides. Mr Johnston thought a slight mistake had been made, when the amendment was again put, six voting for it, and nine in favour of the motion, which was declared carried. It was resolved to ask the Presbytery Innominate Mr McKee as moderator, Mr Bruce to preach at Kaiapoi next Sabbath, and the question of electing a committee to be deferred for the present.