WANGANUI PRESBYTERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3853, 4 October 1928, Page 2

WANGANUI PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Wanganui met in Marton on Tuesday when there was a representative attendance of Ministers and Elders. Rev. C. W. Watt (Moderator) occupied the chair and opened with religious exercises. FOXTON ANNIVERSARY. Mr. W. H. Nicholas, of Foxton, intimated that the coming year would mark the 85th anniversary of the first Presbyterian services .held by the Rev. Mr. Duncan in Foxton. They intended to mark the occasion by speejal services and a special financial effort. The Presbytery commended the object heartily, and promised its hearty support. ADMISSION OF WfOMEN ELDERS. A debate on the question of admitting women as elders of the Church took place. Rev. John Paterson, M.A., moved : “That we do not agree to the remit admitting women as elders to our Session.” Rev G. King seconded. Rev. G. T. Brown, M.A., protested against the motion, and was supported by Rev. D. McNeur. Rev. G. King then spoke strongly in favour of Mr. Paterson’s motion. Mr. James Wallace argued that the Presbytery should record the progressive nature of the times. They had women in Parliament and it would be a loss to the Church indeed to lose all the spiritual quality that womankind could bring to the Session. Rev. W. Elliot, M.A., rose to champion the cause of women in a quiet; logical speech. Mr. Corson, of Raetihi, also supported the motion. Rev. J. Paterson then replied, and on the motion sbeing put, it was carried by 14 votes to 8.