TEMUKA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1632, 10 September 1887, Page 2

TEMUKA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

We have every reason to believe that the congregation of the Temuka Presbyterian Church may congratulate themselves on the Minister they have selected. The Rev. John Dickson is evidently no novice in Church work, and is besides a scholar of considerable attainments, as proved by the fact that he holds the degree of Master of Arts. Prom a paper called The Witness we gather that Mr Dickson had charge of the Ballycarry Presbyterian Church in the North of Ireland for six years previous to his leaving there. The Witness says:

“We notice that the Rev. John Dickson, of Ballycarry, has obtained leave of absence for six months, in order to accompany a near relative to' NewZealand%nd we are glad to see the good feeling ex sting between him and the members of this old historic congregation. We can easily divine the reason. During his short pastorate of six years, Mr Dickson has managed to renovate the church, build an elegant school edifice that is occupied by flourishing Sabbath and day schools, set on foot another building of a similar kind to be used for educational and religious purposes in an important outskirt of the congregation, and obtain most of the money required for the manse now in process of erection. Many of these works were accomplished in spite of obstacles that were not easily surmounted. Pew Ministers have effected so much in the same space of time. We hope Mr Dickson, who is still young in years, will be able to resist the attractions which the Colonies present, and that the congregation of Ballycarry will not be deprived of his services until he has carried to still greater perfection the works in which he lias been engaged.”

It will be seen from this that at the time of leaving home the rev. gentleman had no intention of staying in this .colony, hut evidently New Zealand’s attractiveness has proved too much for him, and he has decided to throw in his lot with us here. According to the same paper he was presented with an address, and a massive gold centreseconds chronograph watch by the congregation, and a beautiful reading lamp was presented by the children attending the Sabbath school. An entertainment was given on the occasion of these presentations and several speeches of a highly complimentary nature were made, all praising the work Mr Dickson had done in the district, and expressing hopes that at the end of Ids six months’ leave of absence he would return there. Doubtless when they hear of the decision he has arrived at there will be much disappointment felt at Bally - carry.