WELLINGTON.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 217, 18 November 1859, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

Free Church Soiree.—-Last evening a Soiree, —took place at the Free Church, Willis Street, in order to afford an opportunity for the presentation to the Rev. John Moir, of an expression of the satisfaction with which the Congregation regard his highly useful labors among them. Every available spcae in the church was filled, many of the Ministers and members of other denominations gladly availing themselves of the occasion to testify their sense ofthe goodwill, Mr. Moir is always ready to show in every useful work. A little after 6 o'clock refreshments were handed round, and to English ears the effects of *• the cup which cheers but not inebriates" were soon remarkably developed; the usual taciturnity of the Scotch being overcome aud giving way to its usual sociable qualities. Towards eight o'clock the business ofthe evening commenced by singing the "grand Old j Hundredth "when the Rev, James Buller was moved to the Chair, in the absence of Wm. Lyon Esq., who was expected to preside. After prayer by tne Rev. H. W. Scott, Archibald Stuart Esq., presented Mr. Moir, on behalt of the congregation, with a handsome silk gown and a purse of gold. The effort bad arisen and been carried out by the ladies, but was inten-, ded to be expressive of the sympathy which existed amongst the entire body of his people, every one of whom prayed that while their minister was counted worthy to receive material gifts from the church militant, he would be counted worthy also hereafter to receive, from the great head of the church.triumphant, acxowaof glory which should never fade away. Mr. Moir made a feeling reply expressive of the encouragement which their affection for hi» ministry afforded him. He was sent to New Zealand in compliance, with a memorial they had forwarded home, and though of the eight* persons who signed the memorial only some six, or seven remained among them, yet he was happy to say that none of them had left his ministry on other grounds than that of a change of residence from town to country. His people stood by him, and he bore his wilhng testimony to their faithful fulfilment of the promises made to him. They had had a hard struggle to do what they had done, In various ways, the disbursements, during the almost six; years he had been connected with them, amounted to no less than 4SQO and, though a portion of debt still existed yet he felt sure it would be less difficult for them to, meet engagements in the future than it had been in the past. Many of his people; had subscribed largely towards the erection of the Church I and famishing him with a manse—they Would not jpij the contributions they had been called upon ten make,*-*" the l^^l squl would be mad«-faV' Hegladly w^lconwdhisb-itthcm of other 4w>"

minations; Christian unity did not consist in a uniformity of ecclesiastical arrangements. The '• New Testament left them free to adapt their , "ecclesiastical polity to times and circumstances, and he thought there were advantages in the differences which existed in these merely external relations. On the great truths of redemption they were all united. Christian Unity consisted in union to Christ, and he could say heartily " Grace be with all those who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity." Several fraternal addresses were delivered by various ministers during the evening, these being, however, varied by the presentation to Mr, James Wallace of a very handsomely bound edition of Kitto's Pictorial Bible in four volumes, as a testimony of the value entertained for services rendered to the Congregation in leading their worship of praise. Mr. Wallace unfortunately was not present, his duties elsewhere necessitating an absence which seemed to be much regretted.— Welliiigton Independent, November 11.