PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1631, 8 September 1887, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

induo rroN. The ceremony of inducting the Rev. Mr Dickson into the charge of the Presbyterian Church of Temuka took place at 2 p.m. yesterday in the church. There was a fair attendance of the parishioners. The devotional part of the ceremony was performed by the Rev. H. Irwin, of Christchurch, who opened with prayer, and next read the 61st chapter of Isaiah, and also Ephesians iv. to the 4th verse. Hymn 100 was then sung, after which the Rev. Mr Elliott, of Wellington, ascended the pulpit, and preached from the Ist chapter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. He said two mistakes were made with regard to the office of a minister—one was to overrate it, the second to undervalue it. Ho then referred to the designations given to the office in the Scriptures. The minister was represented as a sower of seed, and they should not forget that before the seed took root it was necessary to have the ground well prepared. It was therefore as necessary to prepare for the paw as well as for the pulpit. Another designation was that of a fisherman, which signified that a minister should be a man of endurance and courage, and would bear much hardship for little reward. He did not think it was advisable that worldly considerations should enter to any great extent info the office, but the inducements offered in New Zealand were not such as would tempt anyone. The next designation was that ef a shepherd, but they must remember he was only an under-shepherd, Christ being headshepherd. He was also called a minister, which signified servant. But he was not the servant of the people ; he was the servant of God. He was only the servant of the people for the sake of Christ, but he was only responsible to the Master. S'eward was another designation, and this signified be was to receive instructions fr. m a Master. The term implied that he was to act in the capacity of overseer, and look after the other servants. As regards the qualifications, a minister did not require intellect so much as a heart. Holiness was a great power. It was not the most gifted that always did the most work, and the greatest qualification was to be faithful to his charge and to Christ, He urged the congregation to receive the<r minister as Christ’s steward, and to cheer and encourage him. Hymn 118 was next sung, after which the Rev. Mr White ascended the pulpit and put the usual questions to the Bov. Mr Dickson, who answered them in the affirmative, after which he was declared inducted to the charge of the church. The Rev. Mr Gillies then said, addressing the Rev, Mr Dickson, that the Rev. Mr Barclay, being the senior Minister had been appointed to address him, but Mr Barclay was unable to attend and the duty devolved upon himself. He would urge Mr Dickson to cherish a high ideal of the respect due from him to his office, for by that he would be certain to earn respect for himself. Also to cherish a high sense of his responsibility, and to take a kindly interest in whal concerned the Presbyterian Church throughout the colony. Turning to the congregation ho urged upon them to receive the new minister as aa ambassador of Christ and a steward in the Lord’s House. They ought also to encourage him by regular attendance at the services, and by co-operating with him in the work of the Church, They had been told he was not their servant, They however, were his paymasters, and ougl.t to remember they were acting aa paymaster tor Christ. If they reflected on this he was sure they would find a greater pleasure in paying, and that the pay would be greatly increased. They should also give their confidence to their minister with regard to spiritual matters, ns thie would greatly encourage him, and hecoocludedby expressing every confidence in the prosperity of the Cnurch under the Rev. Mr Dickson's ministry.

The proceedings terminated with the Rev. Mr White pronouncing the Benedicton, SOIREE. The soiree held in the evening at the Volunteer Hall, Was one of the most miocessful that baa ever taken pi ice \a Teiuuka. In the body ~f the Ha I seven large table w e| ® laid opt uno supplied with aj variety ,of choice eatables. The

tables were presided over by Misses A. MoCellum, Copestake, Cain, Bowman, Russell, Bennett, Lnngston, Woodham, McCullough, Blyth. Austin, Morton, and Stewart (2), who were assisted by a number of volunteers. On the stage was placed a special table for the clergy and visiting elders. At this the Misses Hay (2), and Paterson presided. Mesdarnes Dunford and Darroch rendered moat efficient sarvice by attending to the replenishing of the various tables. The weather was most uninviting, but in spite of this there were numerous visitors from the outlying districts, and fully 300 persons must have partaken of tea. Mr Cooper, to whom was entrusted the arrangements for the evening, spared no pains in promoting the comfort of viators, and by hie tact and energy contributed largely to the success of the gathering. The tea was catered for by Mr Marshall in a most efficient manner. After an interval of about half-an-hour to permit of the tables being cleared and the re-arrangement of the seats, the Hall was again opened and was speedily filled to its uttermost. The Kev. W. Qillias, the District Moderator, occupied the chair, and announced that the first item on the programme for the evening would be an anthem by the choir, “Lord, for Thy tender mercies’ sake.” The choir, numbering some 30 voices, under the very efficient leadership of Mr A. G. Wright, rendered this very correctly, after which the Chairman read apologies from the Revs. McKee and Barclay, for their unavoidable absence that evening. He then expressed the pleasure ho felt in introducing Mr Dickson, their now pastor, to them. His personal acquaintance with him was of the slightest, but be believed the Rev. Mr White would be able to tell them more about him, having known bim longer. He was certain, however, from what ho did know, that they (the congregation) had found an able and earnest minister, from whom they would derive pleasure iu listening to bim. As Moderator, be (the Chairman) hod been before them on three different occasions, and it was an old saying that “ three was a lucky number." He hoped that the settlement of Mr Dickson would outlast his own stay in Timaru. Ho had much pleasure in seeing the ministers of various denominations present that evening, as well as members of their own church from Wellington and Christchurch, and as they were all expected to deliver addresses that evening he would briefly introduce Mr Dickson to them, and wish them God's blessing and prosperity in their new connection,

Tho Rev. Mr Dickson, who was warmly received, expressed his pleasure at the kindly reception accorded him, and stated that although it was usually the custom with newly-inducted ministers to expatiate on various points of doctrine and make promises with regard to the future, he would not do so that evening. In the first place he was physically iacapacitated, as he was suffering from a severe cold ; and secondly, he preferred to choose another occasion more suitable. As to promises, he bad made plenty already, and lest he should be unable to perform them all should prefer to make no more at present. Ministers in prosecuting their work should be actuated by true zeal and earnestness for the welfare of their congregation. It had cost him no small degree of pain to sever oli ties and connections and cast in bis lot among new people, but he trusted that there would be mutual confidence between them in their new relationship. He hoped for the sympathy of all office bearers, teachers in the Sabbath School, and members of the church. As every bee contributed its quota to the filling of the hive, every coral insect its mite to the upraising of an island, and every soldier to the efficiency of an army, so should members of the congregation unite and, standing shoulder to shoulder, do their utmost to promote the welfare of Zion and tho salvation of souls. In conclusion he said he was glad to see that the inclement weather bad «ot militated against the attendance that evecing, and was pleased to welcome the numerous members of other decominations present. The choir then sang " It came upon the midnight clear" (Sullivan), a very beautiful selection, which was londly applauded. The soprano solo was taken by Mr Hargreaves.

The Rev. Mr White, of Pleasant Point, then, on behalf of the Presbytery, welcomed Mr Dickson to his charge, and in a humorous manner referred to the pleasure he (Mr Dickson) should feel at coming to South Canterbury, where he had such a talented Presbytery. He (Mr Dickson) had left one of the largest congregations in Ireland and was respected by them. He trusted that Mr Dickson would shortly earn a similar respect from his Temuka congregation. Ho was particularly fortunate in Temuka, for he would be assured of the co-operation of the Revs. Hamilton and Thomas, and his work would be a pleasure on that account. One of the chief characteristics of South Canterbury people was the enthusiasm they evinced in anything they took up. His (Mr Dickson’s) congregation was one of this kind, and if only kept on the right track there was practically no end to where they would go, Mr White made a few amusing remarks as to Mr Dickson’s forborn condition as a bachelor, and reiter. ated the pleasure be felt in welcoming him to bis now call. On the congregation he urged the necessity of uniting in prayer for the welfare of their Church and Minister if they wished prosperity. They should also bear in mind that Ministers required sympathy. Misunderstandings frequently arose and Ministers were found fault with when a little sympathy extended towards them would have kept matters right. He hoped that Mr Dickson acd his charge would go on in prosperity, The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, who was applauded on rising, thanked them for their courteous reception, and said that he had lately read a story, the moral of which was that true eloquence was short, and lie would not therefore detain them long that evening, He had made it a point to be present to welcome Mr Dickson, and to assure him of his hdp atd co operation. On common ground, such as the platform of Gospel Temperance, etc,, he hoped they would be found wot king side by side. These were not mere idle words. During his own five years’ residence in Temuka he look*! hack to no period with greater pleasure than dating ;he time he had been associated Tflth their late minister—the sev. M'QkiotQsii, Hh had iouutad him among his personal friends and had ever found him a true (Juristian, a rip* scholar, and a kind and nym-

pathetic friend. Although they missed him much it would not prevent them from wishing well to their new friend. He (Mr Hamilton) was glad that the vacancy had not been filled. It was not well (hat congregations should be left without the services of s posior. He had—although it might be looked upon to a certain extent as poaching—visited several members of the congregation who ho thought would be benefited by a little kindly advice and a personal visitation, but, although be believed in a universal sympathy between denominations, be thought on the whole it was better for people to adhere to the church in which they had been brought up. After a time ho thought that there would bo but one church. At present there were differences, but they would gradually subside. It was at all events their duty to stand shoulder to shoulder sod fight against (be infidelity of the present age. Outcasts from Christ should be gathered in by means of brotherly love and sympathy. He was glad that they bad chosen a minister to dwell among them, and hoped that they would unite in making his stay a happy and pleasant one. If they thus united they would after a time be able to live in the bond of peace and righteousness of life. In welcoming Mr Dickson, he hoped that during his career here he would receive many a “ God bless you," and in the home above the reward “Well done thou good and faithful servant."

The Chairman thanked Mr Hamilton for his kindly expressions towards their late Minister, and also for his services to members of tba congregation. He did not consider it in the light of poaching, but appreciated it, and hoped that the union would be closer in future.'

Tho choir then sang “ There's a light in tho Valley," after which the Her. H. Irwin, of Christchurch, was called upon to address the meeting, and in responding to the call expressed his pleasure at renewing his acquaintance with Temuka people. It always afforded him pleasure to recall bis visit in 1885, during which he made the acquaintance of the Rev. Mr Mackintosh, and having . lived with him, could fully endorse all that had been said of him by Mr Hamilton. With regard to the purpose for which they had met that evening, namely, to welcome Mr Dickson to the parish. He (the speaker) had known Mr Dickson in the Old Country although their parishes were wide apart, but his chief recollection was of him in the student’s chambers at College. From bis knowledge of him he could siucEfely say that be was a Minister in whom they could place implicit confidence. As time wore on he would gain upon their hea'ta and awaken their sympathies The congregation should assise their Minister and strengthen him in every w»y. He was glad to see ministers and members of all denominations present, and hoped they would shortly unite in holding evangelistic services, such as had lately been held in Christchurch. Great benefits and blessings had accrued therefrom. There was a deepening tone in religion that was very encouraging, and he hoped the wave of revival would spread. A free and full salvation was open to all, and he believed that although it might be well for peop'e to uphold their particular church, yet by uniting in an evangelistic service many now dead to Christianity might be wakened into spiritual life, and afterwards, when filled with the Spirit, might be further built up and stengthened in their respective churches. The entry of Mr Dickson was a suitable time for such a revival, and he hoped that the opportunity would be taken advantage of. An anthem “ How beautiful upon the mountains," followed, after which Rev. Mr Elliott, of Wellington, made a very humorous speech, richly interspersed with anecdotes, which kept the audience in high good humor. Id the course of his address he urged them to encourage their minister to the best of their ability, He thought that if they wanted to keep a minister they should treat him like they would a cat they wanted t# accustom to a place. “ They should butter his feet, ’ and the best way to butter a minister’s feet was to encourage him and extend him sympaihy in his work. He hoped Mr Dickson would be long among them, and that the union would be for their good. After the hymn “ What will the Harvest bef” had been sung, The Eev. W. G-. Thomas delivered a very eloquent and stirring address, in which be expressed his pleasure in being able to extend the light hand of fellowship to the Bev. Mr Dickson, and hoped they would often meet on a common Christian platform. He was slawys glad to see sympathy between ministers, and hoped it would extend to the congregations. They bad doubtless in common with himself felt great pleainre in listening to the addresses delivered that evening. They had all been very much to the point. In particular be was strnok with Mr Irwin’s remarks about life in the Churches, and he hoped to seo his suggestion of a revival servioe carried out. Mr Thomas then very earnestly dwelt upon the subject of where the true glory of the Church was to be fonnd. The Choir then sang the anthem "If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” Mr Ontbbert, of Timarn, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Choir for their services that evening. He was glad to see the united Choirs of several Churches combining on snob an oooasion.

Mr Bussell desired that a hearty vote of thanks might be accorded to the visiting Clergy and friends present that evening. This was carried by acclamation, and a similar compliment was paid to the ladies who waited at the tables, and to the Chairman for the able manner in which ha had presided. After the Dozology had been snng, the Bev. T. A« Hamilton pronounced the Bene* diction and the meeting terminated. Miss Blyth presided at the organ in her nsnal efficient manner.