PUERUA CONGREGATIONAL SOIREE.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 413, 22 February 1877, Page 3

PUERUA CONGREGATIONAL SOIREE.

At the annual meeting at Puerua the * Clutha Leader' informs ub that the following very gratifying testimony was borne to the efficiency of Mr. Morris, who is to supply the pulpit of the Kev. J M'Cosh Smith during his absence :—" The report having been adopted, Mr. Bannerman read a letter from Mr. Morris, of Port Chalmers, who had faithfully, and to the satisfaction of the congregation, supplied Mr. Bannerman's place during his absence in Great Britian. Mr. Morris had, on leaving Puerua, met with a severe accident, from the effects of which he had not sufficiently recoverd to permit him to undertake so long ajourney. Mr. Somerville, one of the Elders of the longregation gave expression to the sympathy of the congregation with Mr. Morris under his present trial, and to their regret at his not being able to be present on that occasion. The congregation had desired to testify to Mr. Morris their appreciation of his service during their minister's absence, and for this purpose had raised a sum of £26, which had been readily and willingly subscribed by the members and the adherents of the church. On the motion of Mr.

Bannerman, it was agreed that Mr. Somerville remit th'S above sum to Mr. Morris, with an expression of the congregation's sympathy with h/.th, and their hope' that he may speedily to health, and be enabled once more t<? do work for the Great Master. In making this motion, Mr. Bannerman stated with satisfaction he had heard by every' Succeeding mail, when in the Home Country of the labors of Mr. Morris, of the congestions appreciation of his services, and to fheir attendance on his ministrations in church on the Lord's day. With no less ; ; delight had he, on his return to the district, received from the members of the church confirmation of all he had learned by the letters he had received. He hoped Mr. Morris would be spared for many yearß, and find a fitting field for his missionary labors."