PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2463, 5 August 1922, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

12sL>L'CX1UJS OF KEY. FRANK McDonald. The induction of the Rev. Frank McDonald, of Faeroa, as minister of the Foxton Presbyterian Church, took place in the church on Thursday evening, before a large congregation. The officiating ministers were the Kev. Miller, of Feilding (interim moderator of the charge) and the Kev. Mr Mcivor, of Marton. Among those present were representatives of other denominations and representatives of the Presbyterian churches at Kangiotu and Qlen Oroua. The service commenced with the singing of Psalm 125 and scripture .reading from Col. chap. 1, verse 9-20. The Rev. Mcivor preached an eloquent sermon from the text “I must be about my Father’s business,” stressing the duty and privilege of public worship and service. The usual questions were put to the minister by the Rev. Mr Miller and answered, followed by prayer. The declaration was then read and the newly inducted minister was received with the right hand of fellowship. The Rev. Mr Miller addressed the minister and the Rev. Mcivor the congregation specially exhorting the congregation to prayer and loyal co-operation. Aftei (lie closing hymn an adjournment was made to the school-room where the new minister and Mrs McDonald were uccorded a general welcome. The seating accommodation was taxed to its utmost capacity.

Speeches of welcome were delivered by the Mayor (Mr John Chrystal!) on behalf of the citizens, Rev. W. W alton, on behalf of the Anglican Church, Rev. Mr Minifie (Methodist), Lieut. Queero (Salvation Arntv) and Mr Hornblow on behalf of the congregation. The Rev. Mr Miller presided. The speeches were very cordial and some excellent, advice and proffered to minister and congregation, interspersed with humorous illustrations. All the speeches were crisp and to the point and made a very favourable impression on the audience. In taking the chair, the Rev. Mr McDonald was"received with a hearty outburst of applause. He thanked them all on behalf of himselt and his wife. In-referring to-the Mayor’s speech, he said he had served an apprenticeship in civic gov, .nment and knew something of the ; '.side of municipal life. In this connection he would be pleased to co-operate in. all movements for the wilfatv of the town and..happiness f the people. He had always worked with his brother ministers of other denominations wherever he had been and felt sure he could, do so in Foxton. He had been given the name of “Fighting Mne,” a reason for which he could not assign as he was a peace-loving man and never sought a quarrel with any man. He was here to serve and help his brother man, illustrating the point by a quotation from the beautiful poem, “the Cottage by the side of the Road.” He particularly asked for their prayers and loyal co-op-eration in order make his ministry a success (applause). During the evening very acceptable items were rendered by Mesdames \Y. McDonald (encore), Freeman. L. Bullard, Messrs Poole and Head and an instrumental duet by Misses Patterson and Delany. Accompaniments were played by Mesdames Poole, McDonald, Freeman, Misses DeInny and Patterson. At the conclusion, at tasty supper, under the supervision of Airs John Ross, was partaken of and much appreciated. The Rev. Frank McDonald will commence his ministerial duties tomorrow.