CHRIST CHURCH PRESBYTERY.

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

CHRIST CHURCH PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met in St. Andrew’s Church schoolroom, on July Bth, and was constituted with devetional exercises. Sederunt —The Eevs. Messrs Horner (moderator), Hill, Cree, McKee, Burnett, McOallum, Elmelie, Beattie, Blake, Cairns, Eraser, Bruce, Westbrooke, Campbell. Douglas, and McGregor (clerk) ; and Messrs Gillespie, Wilson, Craighead, and Gibbs, elders. On the motion of Mr Eraser, the Bov. D. Bruce was associated to take part in the proceedings. Commissions were laid on the table for Messrs Gibbs and Gillespie, elders. It was resolved that the religious conference be held at two o’clock if the business permitted. Mr Eraser reported that it had been arranged to hold a monthly service at Waikari, and that a site had been kindly granted by Mr Moore, of Glenmark, for a church in the centre of the new township. Mr Orea proposed, and Mr Cairns seconded —“ That a hearty vote of thanks be recorded to Mr Moore, of Glenmark, for his kindness."

Messrs Johnston and Malcolm McEarlane appeared as representatives from the Rangiora congregation. Mr Johnston read resolution referring to their appointment as a deputation to lay before the Presbytery the matter of separation from Kaiapoi. Mr Fraser moved—“ That the request of the Rangiora congregation to definitely close their connection with the Kaiapoi congregation be granted, on the condition that the amount of £2O now due to Mr McGregor shall be paid.” Mr Elmslie seconded. Mr Johnston replied that Mr McGregor would be paid immediately. Mr Elmslie was appointed Moderator of the congregation of Rangiora as requested. The Rev. Mr Bruce, agent of the Church, intimated that the committee of the Church Extension Association had appointed Mr Tout to remain at Sefton during the current year, and that Mr Monro would likely be allowed to remain. Ha explained that the proposed change of Mr Monro was done with he beat intention.

Mr Hill pointed out that neither the local oranch of the Church Extension Association had been consulted nor the Presbytery. It was the general feeling of the meeting that it was desirable to consult the Presbytery in such matters.

The report of the committee appointed to visit the Papanui congregation was read by Mr Fraser, convener. Mr Cairns moved the adoption of the report, and Mr Crce seconded. Mr Fraser, convener of committee on ministers’ travelling expenses, reported that the committee, on learning the additional charges that are levied by the General Assembly for Assembly expenses, unanimously resolved to delay the consideration of the question of additional Presbytery expenses, and to apply to the Presbytery for further instructions.

Mr Hill moved —“ That the report be adopted and the committee discharged.” Mr Douglas seconded. Mr Beattie moved as an amendment—- “ That the report be adopted and the committee continued to consider the matter.” Mr Croe seconded. The amendment was carried.

The Presbytery proceeded to the consideration of the Kaiapoi case. Mr Eraser gave in the report of tho committee, and proposed-—“ That the report be adopted ; that Mr McGregor’s explanation as to not calling a meeting of the congregation be received; and that Mr McGregor be requested to state to the Presbytery his views and purposes of action.” Mr Westbrooke seconded.

Mr McGregor stated that before he would take any step he would require arrears paid up, and a written retraction of the charges which had been made against him. It was the opinion of the brethren that the decision of the Presbytery freeing him from all moral blame was sufficient. Mr Elmslie asked the deputation to say what they were prepared to do in regard to arrears. In answer they stated that they would promise arrears up to the 7th of April. Mr McGregor stated that if arrears were paid to date he would resign his charge. Mr Elmslie said they could not ask Mr McGregor to resign if he was not paid to date.

Messrs Elmslie, McKee, and Bruce were appointed to meet with the congregation on Tuesday first. Mr Bill wan requested to send an intimation of the meeting to the congre-

gation. A letter from Mr Bruce, clerk of assembly, was read, with accounts returned, as none of the items being ordered by the officials of the General Assembly. After consideration, it was resolved to hand them over to Mr Fraser.

A letter from Mr Sheriff, junior clerk of Assembly, was read, notifying assessment for Assembly expense fund. A letter was read from the Bev. John Mackay, convener of Assembly committee, on studies of students in divinity, and the clerk was instructed to send copies of the same to Messrs Fraser, Elmslie, and Oree. Mr Beattie intimated tbat ho had a student under his care.

A conference on the state of religion then Moderator invited Mr Armishaw, secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association, who was present, to address tne meeting. He spoke at some length on the necessity of Christians prosecuting the sale ot •a pure literature, and offered_ some practical suggestions as to its being carried out. Mr Blake then opened the conference, an dwelt specially on the duties of family worship and Sabbath observance. Ho suggested the advisability of occasional sermons to children, and urged greater attention to the circulation of Christian literature. Mr McKee endorsed heartily most of Mr Blake’s suggestions, but did not approve generally of special services to the children, as very few ministers had a faculty for addressing children. He considered that tho object desired might be more satisfactorily carried out by a conference called specially for the purpose, when members of their congregations could also be present. Mr Cairns said he approved very heartily of what had been said by previous speakers, and pointed out the great advantages that would arise from the labours of au efficient colporteur, if such a man could be obtained, who would visit outlying stations with approved literature. He also considered that a conference, as suggested by Mr McKee, might be very serviceable. Mr Beattie having expressed his concurrence with previous speakers, it was agreed that a committee, consisting of Messrs Fraser, Elmalie, McKee, Cairns, Horner, and Blake (the latter convener), be appointed to make arrangements for a conference on the subject of religion. . The meeting closed with the benediction.