NORTH BELT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2084, 28 October 1880, Page 3

NORTH BELT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

[OOMMCBIOATBD.] The early and sudden removal of the Rev. David McKee, the first minister of this congregation, yet in its infancy, might well be expected to damp the ardour and paralyse the efforts of its members. Instead of this, it seems to have aroused them to greater energy, in order to carry out to the full the important work they had undertaken. On Sunday last, deeply impressive services wore conducted to sorrowing audiences in the Hall, Montreal street North, by the Rev. John Elmslie and the Rev. James Hill. The collections of the day and contributions from the Sabbath School children were devoted to the erection of a memorial to their late pastor, and a considerable amount was obtained for that purpose. On Monday evening, meetings of the committee and congregation were held, when much important business was transacted, including the drawing up of a minute of condolence to bo placed on the records of the Kirk Session, and of which a copy was forwarded to Mrs McKee ; also the appointment of a sub-committee to carry out the desire of many that the expression of regret at the loss of so gifted a man should take a substantial turn. This committee has met, defined, and started their work already, with much success. The following is the minute forwarded to Mrs McKee on Tuesday : tc The members and adherents of this congregation desire to express to Mrs McKee their deep sense of the great loss they have sustained by the death of her beloved husband —their pastor —and their sincere sympathy with her, her family, and his aged mother in their sore bereavement. They desire to place on record that, during the brief period in which he occupied the position of minister of the congregation, he, by his loving manner, as well as by his eloquent and faithful preaching, gained their highest esteem and warmest affection, and that his memory, as their first minister, they shall continue fondly to cherish through whatever change the congregation may pass. “ The sudden removal of one so gifted and so eminently fitted to advance the cause of Christ is enshrouded in mystery, yet they cherish unwavering confidence in the wisdom end goodness of Gfod, and believe that by his

death an impression hoe been produced on their hearts in keeping with the spiritual profit they received daring hie life. “ Their earnest prayer is that his bereaved widow may be sustained by the God of Comfort under the heavy stroke with which she has been visited ; that she may bo spared to train up her children in the footsteps of the departed ; and that the family, without one wanting, shall find a place at last in that bright and happy world to which, with wellgrounded hope, they believe her beloved husband has gone. “ Signed on behalf of the Kirk Session, members of committee, and congregation, by “Jambs Him,. “Jambs Daniel Feeousson.’’