RELIGIOUS.

Southland Times, Issue 726, 20 September 1867, Page 5

RELIGIOUS.

PBESB"S*TEBY OE SOUTHLA"NTD. The Presbytery of Southland met at Invereargill oa the 28th ult. There were present Revs Thos. Alexander (Moderatcr), A. Stobo, Andrew Stevens, and Jaf= Clark. A call to thj Rev Andrew Stevens, Wallacetown, fpm the Lake Wakatip District, was Lid on the table. Mr Stevens, on being asked if he wished to make any statement at this stage of the proceedings, said,that having a copy of the reasons to be Irgedfor the translation sent him, he had carefully and prayerfully considered the matter, and had come to the concusion that it was his i duty to decline thecall, and remain with his present charge, While he thought that the importance of the Lake District ( could not easily b over-estimated as a field of usefulness'; his recent settlement at Wallacetwn, the encouragement he met wiV in hia labors, tita -jspensea incrreii in building |

a manse, the enlargement of the Church about to be begun, together with the kindness received from the people of his charge, led him to come ; to this decision. He would state further, that although the sum £350, expected to be raised annually for his stipend was guaranteed, which it was not, toy the Committees at Queenstown - and the Arrow, that would not influence him 'in coming to a different decision from what he now intimates. It was moved by Mr Clarke, seconded by Mr Stobo, and agreed to, that after hearing the statement now made by Mr Stevens, it is unnecessary to take airy further steps in the matter. Mr Clark read an extract minute ;of the Presbytery of Clutha asking the services of Mr Telford for Balclutha. It was agreed that Mr Telford be allowed to leave Queenstown, and that the Rev. Mr Drake supply his place till next ordinary meeting. ♦ — —