INDUCTION SERVICE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 818, 1 March 1910, Page 2

INDUCTION SERVICE.

The ordiuation of the Rev GK. Aitkeu and his induction to the Foxtou charge of the Presbyterian Church, took place in the local Presbyterian Church last night before a large and representative congregation. This was the first ceremony of its kind held at Foxtou and was of a very impressive character. Mr Aitkeu has been labouring in this district as a home missionary for a period of over three years, and his ministrations have met with such success that it was decided to ask the Assembly, through the Presbytery, to raise the charge to a fully sustained one and to ordain and induct Mr Aitkeu as minister. These requests were favourably considered by the Wanganui Presbytery and finally sanctioned by the Assembly.

The Moderator of the Church in New Zealand, the Rev. Izaac Jolly m.a., assisted by the Revs. G. Budd (Feilding). Jas. Patterson (one of the fathers of the church, Wellington), and the Rev Mr McKenzie (Shannon) conducted the service. An apology was received from the Rev Mr White, of Kevin, who was to have taken part in the service, also the Rev Mr Patison, of Waipukurau, a fellow student of the Rev Mr Aitkeu.

The Rev Mr Jolly preached a stirring sermon from the text “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.” He spoke of a changing world and a changeless Christ, and dealt with the subject on its varying aspects most eloquently. The questions as laid down in the book of order were then put to Mr Aitken and answered after which he was ordained and inducted by prayer and the laying on of hands and subsequently received the right hand of fellowship. The Rev Mr Patterson, who said he had the privilege of recommending Mr Aitken to the ministry in New Zealand, addressed the minister and tendered some excellent advice in respect to the pastoral tie, dealing with work of the ministry in its varying aspects. He urged the minister not to lend himself to subjects of a semi-political nature, but to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Rev Mr Budd addressed the congregation and advised them to be steadfast in attendance, in contributing, ready to help, loyal, considerate, sympathicand friendly towards their pastor. The Rev Mr Jolly then formally handed over the charge to Mr Aitken, who briefly addressed the congregation. He made reference to the faithful work done by Mr Jolly as moderator of the Foxton charge, and said the Church in this district owed its present position to Mr Jolly’s careful oversight. He hoped the Foxton charge would become a centre of spiritual life and influence. They were all sorry to lose Mr Jolly, who was on the eve of his departure for Auckland, and as a memento, he asked Mr Jolly to accept a pair of field glasses. The Rev Mr Jolly suitably acknowledged the gift.

Refreshments were handed round by the lady members and much appreciated after which the Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles) expressed his pleasure at being present and on behalf of the Methodists congratulated Mr Aitken and wished him every success in his work.

The pleasing feature of the proceedings was the musical items, anthems, quartettes and hymns by the choir under the conductorship of Mr Wrigley.