BAPTIST CHURCH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2900, 12 July 1882, Page 2

BAPTIST CHURCH.

A meeting of members and friends of the above church was held last evening in thejOddfellows* Hall, Barnard street, to recognise officially the Rev. George Johnstone, late of Invercargill, as the pastor of the Baptist denomination in Timaru. Tea was provided early in the evening, the tables being supervised by Mrs Peake, and the Misses Mills, Hislop, Kay, Simmons, McKnight, Brooks, and Oockroft. About 100 sat down to tea. A stall was erected for the sale of fancy articles, &c. presided over by Mesdames Kay and Penrose. The chair was taken by Mr James Granger, who remarked that he personally hoped the congregation would strengthen his (the pastor’s) hands and., give a solidity to bis labors. The deacons of the church, Messrs Penrose and Simmons also delivered addresses. The Revs. Hallowos, Gillies, and Sharp, occupied seats on the dais and severally addressed the congregation, congratulating them upon the satisfactory commencement made and urging the people to strengthen the hands of the now minister, not only with their means but with their active co-operation. The Rev. G. Johnston thanked those present for the warm welcome he had received, and referred to his ministerial career before his arrival in Timaru, remarking that a portion of that time had boon spent in Africa, fie trusted they would prosper and act harmoniously. Votes of thanks were passed to the chairman and visiting clergymen, and the meeting terminated by the Rev Mr Johnston pronouncing the Benediction.