THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1931, Page 3

THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTLAND

MEETING AT WESTPORT.

WESTPORT, December 10

The Presbytery of Westland met in St. Andrew’s Vestry, Westport, on Wednesday afternoon, at 3.15 o’clock. The Moderator, Rev. H. R. Fell, M.A., 13. D., presided. There were also- present: Rev. G. A. Naylor, Hokitika; Rev. A. Miller, M.A., Westport; Rev. W. HtiVhble,

Granity; John Sands, Denniston; and Messrs W. J. Young, D. T. Gibbard, Westport, and W. Gumming, Denniston. The minutes of the previous meeting were react and confirmedRev. A. Miller intimated that in

order to meet the convenience of all parties, and for the ordinance and induction of Iris successor, Rev. S. W. Webber, to take place at the same

time as the Presbytery meeting, he had agreed to his resignation being dated 9th. December, instead of the 31st. insit.—Appreciation of his action was expressed. The. proposed arrangements in connection with the ordination and induction were approved. Rev. A. Miller resigned his office as Presbytery Clerk and Rev. G> A. Naylor was appointed in his stead. Rev. A. Miller reported that a very line service had been held at Reefton when Mr A. Ash win had been ordain ed as a Home Missionary. The Mod-/ orator submitted a report regarding a visit of the Horne Missions Superintendent, Rev. Geo. Budd, to the West Coast. Owing to the depletion of the Home Missions Fund, the Home Missions Committee may be forced to reduce grants and to amalgamate certain stations. Reference was made to visits paid to Grey mouth and Westport by M,r V. French of the Presbyterian Social Service and Orphanage Association. He delivered addresses explainng tlie work his Association is attempting. A remit sent down to Presbyteries hv the General Assembly in regard to the onening of conversations concern- j ing Church Union, was approved. | It was decided to recommend that a Png service diploma he presented to Mr W. Gumming, of Denniston, in view of his services as Sunday School Superintendent at Denniston. which extend over a period above 35 years. The next meeting of the* Presbytery will he held at Greymouth on March ' 29th. | Rev. W. D. Scott was nominated as ' Moderator of the General Assembly, j Revs. 11. it. Fell and G. A. Naylor were appointed to represent the Presbvtery at the. next meeting of the General Assembly- at Christchurch in . March next. Tn addition, Westport !

and Reefton were to appoint representative elders. The work of Westland sub district cotnraitte, especially the assistance rendered in class visitation was highlv commended.

ORDINATION AND INDUCTION SERVICE.

A large congregation gathered at

St. Andrew’s Church at 7.30 last evening, to witness the impressive service of ordination and induction of the Rev. S. W. Webber,, to the charge as

Minister of .St. Andrew’s, Rev. It. H. Fell. Moderator, presiding. r Phe onening. hymn- 173. was announced by the Rev. G. A. Naylor and was followed by the Scripture reading from Psalm 116 and prayer, after which Rev. Naylor addressed the congregation on “Be Honest with God,” making an impressive appeal to all to be true to God a-ml prove the direct blessing of success in advancing bhecause of righteousness in every respect.

, The Choir then rendered the anthem “Radiant Morn,” with feeling. The Rev. Fell addressed the congregation and then put tine usual questions to the Rev. Webber, which were satisfactorily answered and then followed a few moments of silent prayer. The solemn/and sacred ceremony of the laying on of hands and citation of the usual charges of the Church, to which the Rev. Webber gave his unqualified assent followed. Hymn 407 was next sung. The Rev. A. Miller then gave an appealing and striking charge to the newly ordained Minister. The charge was the usual one, but unusual on this present occasion, a:s it wag being given by the retiring Minister, a circumstance that seldom occurred, but was most befitting, expressing the deep sense of his desire for the successful work of his successor. Taking his text from 2 Timothy, Chap. 2-10, “Study to show thyself approved of God,” Mr Miller emphasised the great need of dependence on a higher power and placing right things first and maintaining a constant contact by prayer with Him who would reveal Himself •to every seeking heart. » ' I The Rev. Fell followed in an inspiring charge to the congregation. The occasion, said the speaker, was °ne of the greatest importance, the responsibilities were extremely solemn, yet the opportuniies for sacrifice and service gave promise of a worthy harvest. “As sure as God is where He ! is, the future is full of promise. Tonight, you are united with one greatj purpose, the extension of righteous- ! ness in the town of West-port; not by preaching only but by lives dedicated to the Master’s service; you ar e out to win others and I ask you to trust God, and He never fails one.” The closing hymn was No. 487, “Sun of My f Soul.” 1 The Benediction by the Moderator brought a unique and impressive serivice to a conclusion. i •if