CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2099, 15 November 1880, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met in St. Andrew’s Church,Christchurch, on Thursday last, and was duly constituted with devotional exercises. Sederunt: The Rev. Messrs Horner (Moderator), Elraslie, Hill, Blake, Cairns, Burnett, McOallum, Fraser, Westhrooko, Beattie, Douglas, MoOrae, and Messrs Gibbs and Wilson (elders); Tho Moderator intimated that a copy of the minute and the letter of condolence had been forwarded to Mru McKee and gratefully received. On the motion of Mr Fraser, Mr McOrae, of Waipu was associated to take part in the proceedings. A commission from tho session of Ashburton was laid on the table on behalf of Mr David Henderson, to be their representative elder. Messrs King and McGregor Watt waited as a deputation on the Presbytery from the North town belt congregation, to request their assistance during the current six months from the Bfch October in their present circumstances, and also that Mr Hill be appointed moderator, Mr Hill, as chairman of their meeting when the deputation was appointed, wished to say that it was help in the truest sense the congregation required, for they had resolved to devote one half-year’s stipend from the Bth October last to the family of Mr McKee, and they had also liberally contributed towards the subscription that is being raised. He intimated that one day’s pulpit supply from each minister of the Presbytery would meet their necessity, as Mr Ferguson was willing to assist them on alternate days. The Rev. Mr Fraser moved—“ That their requests bo granted—(l) That Mr Hill be appointed moderator of tbe North town belt j (2) That the ministers of the Presbytery be instructed to give one full Sabbath day’s supply to the North town belt congregation, free of any charge ; ” which was seconded by Mr Elmslie, and agreed to. The Moderator then intimated to tbe deputation that their requests were granted. Mr Fraser moved, and it was unanimously agreed to, “ That the Presbytery records its deep sympathy with the Rev. W. H. Homer in his recent bereavement. The devoted Christian life of the late Mrs Horner, and her active and lively interest in various departments of Christian work, marked her as one whose loss is great to the church and the congregation with which she was connected, as well as to her sorrowing husband.” Tho clerk was instructed to forward a copy of the minutes to Mr Horner.

Mr Cairns reported that he had visited Kaiapoi on Monday, Bth inst,, and held a meeting of committee and of congregation. It was arranged that Mr Robert McGregor should continue to supply the pulpit, also that a maintenance fund should be commenced to augment the ordinary income from pew rents and collections. On the motion of Mr Fraser the report was adopted. A deputation from Kaiapoi, consisting of Messrs Young and Clarke, was then heard in regard to the present position of tho congregation's finances. It was resolved —“ That the Presbytery go into committee at 1.30 p.m. to consider the matter.” The Rev. Mr Fraser reported that services were conducted regularly at Waikati end Amberley as had been arranged. The Rev. Mr Hill, convener of the deputation to the Gust, read the report of their meeting with the congregation. Mr Burnett moved the adoption of the report, and Mr McOallum seconded. Mr Cairns intimated that Mr Cree desired that the motion of which he gave notice at last meeting be postponed till next meeting, and it was agreed to. Mr R. Westbrooke, Rakaia, applied for a temporary session, and Messrs W. Gavin, A. Orr, and D. Henderson, Ashburton, were appointed. Mr Blake, as convener of religious conference, reported that a public meeting was held in St. Paul’s schoolroom on 9th September, when addresses were delivered on the subject of colportage by Revs. Messrs Oaims, Blake, Cree, and Blmslio; and on the subject of Christian giving to the cause of God, by Revs. Messrs Beattie, Fraser, and Mr Robert Black. Mr McKee also addressed the meeting on the subject of our young people. A committee was appointed on colportage, consisting of Revs. Messrs Blmslie, Oaims, Cree, and Blake ; and a committee was ap. pointed also on Christian giving, consisting of Revs. Messrs Fraser, Beattie, Blmslie, and Mr Robert Black.

Mr Fraser, on moving the adoption of the report, suggested that ministers at the present time should preach two special sermons : one on Sabbath breaking, and the other on intemperance. The Presbytery went into committee on the Eaiapoi finances as agreed to. On resuming, Mr Fraser moved—“ That the committee recommend that from the allowance of £139 due for stipend, £2O should be deducted, as proposed by the deputation, and the congregation be recommended to pay the balance of £ll9 as early as possible.” The motion was seconded by Mr Hill. At Mr Cairn’s request, Messrs Hill and Blake were appointed assessors to lay the resolution of the Presbytery before the congregation. The meeting closed with the benediction.