WOODSIDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 39

WOODSIDE.

August 14.— 0n Thursday afternoon, August -5, the Dunedin Presbytery met ia West Teieri Presbyterian Church for tntf purpose of inducting the Rev. W Spence tc hi* new charge. There were present Reva.. D. Borrie, W. M'Donald, A .W. Kinmoitf, R. Fairmaid,.J. Lymburn, D. M'Coll, and Mr J. Neill. The Re\. D. Borrie preached and presided ; the. Rev. J. Lymburn ad-

ilreesed the new minister, and th© Rev. I M. M'Donald the congregation. The service was a most impressive one, -and at ats close Mr Spence was introduced to the members of his new congregation present. •In the evening a welcome social was held ■in the church, and the interest of the congregation was shown in the large gathering present on the occasion. The Rev J. Lymburn, Moderator during the vacancy, presided, and the proceedings were opened with praise and prayer. The chairman expressed his pleasure that the vacancy had come to an end, and that his dutie3 •as Moderator pro. tern, would not be -required any longer. It. gave him pleasure to introduce to the congregation- its new minister. On 4fiking the chair, the Rev. ,W. Spence- was greeted with prolonged applause. He stated it was not his intention to deliver a speech on. that occasion — indeed, he would much rather his first ■words to the congregation had come at the service on the following Sabbath.- He was, (however, much touched with the warm and ihearty welcome tendered to himself and Mrs Spence. He was coming to West Taieri fully determined to fulfil to the best of his ability his duties as pastor, and trusted a long and useful care?T lay before them as minister and people. Mr A. Chisiholm, senior member of Kirk Session, extended to Mr, Mrs, and Master Spence the formal welcome of the congregation, and this was responded to by the large gathering present in a very hearty manner. The speecCi of the evening was delivered by the Rev. D. Borria, who oliose for his Biibject " Experiences of a Young Colonist." It was listened to with th© closest attention, foi th© history was nothing less than th 3 ■wonderful development of the Taie-ri Plain, and the story of its sturdy pioneers. The ReTe. A. W. Kinmont (East Taieri), W. M'Donald (Maori Hill), and R. Fail-maid (South Taieri), also deJivered short welcome addresses, all expressive of pleasure at the happy settlement consummated that day. A cheque was presented to the Rev. Mr Lymburn in recognition of his faithful services'' as Moderator during the vacancy. Mr Lymburn suitably replied, acknowledging the gift. During the evening the choir, under the able leadership of Miss Dawson, rendered two anthems, " I will feed My flock," and " Hail, smiling morn." These items were much enjoyed. Midway in the proceedings refreshments were served by the ladies of the congregation, and it i=. unneccessary to say this item also was enjoyed. Votes of thanks to the speakers, choir, choir leader, ladies of the congregation, and all who had contributed to ihe success of the evening were carried with acclamation, and with the doxology and benediction a most hearty and successful gathering was brought to a clo^e.