PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2056, 7 June 1890, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The ceremony of inducting the Eev, A. Bruce Todd, as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Geraldine, took place at the church on/Wednesday afternoon last. There was a large attendance. On the platform were the Eevs. '/Dickson (Temuka), Gillies (Timaru), McKee (Waimate), Steven (Lower Waitaki), White (Pleasant ' Point), A. B. Todd, sen. (Oamaru), and A. B. Todd, the newly appointed "pastor. / // ~/ //; The Presbytery having met in the vestry, Mr 5 Gillies came forward and asked if anyone had any objection to offer to the life and doctrine of Mr :Todd,-if so let them give them in, or else the Presbytery would proceed to the induction- < ! ,

Hyma No. 53, How Shall I Serve,” having been sung, the Rev. Mr Dickson read a lesson, from Philippians 12th chapter, after which Hymn No 279 was sung, and then prayer offered by the Eev. Mr Dickson, who also preached an impressive sermon from “For-to me to live is Christ, and to die Js:fghin.”^ r Phoippianß i, 21, He urged that the great object of the Christian*minister should be to preach Christ ,and' Him crucified. This was the great aim of the Apostle Paul, and he was able-, to say P when he was anproaching the end . of his journey that for him to live'was Christ.

Hymn 285, ” Peacepperfect peace.” was sung - , -after which. Mr Dickson the st£ps that had beenSaken {towards filling*' the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Eev. Mr Barclay, the result being- that the Bey. Had^been chosen their minister and. wa ! sl/tHe|e that day to be inducted. Mr Dickson then put ;tp Mr/Todd thei'jqae&tiona usually asked of a Presbyterian minister at his induction, each Todd answered in the 5 "affirmative Mr Dickson offered : a .short prayer invoking the, Divine- Blessing on Mr Toddpand asking that there/might be true unity, peace, and; harmony in the church, 'and ; that the, .gqapel might have free course and God glorified. He then said that in .the.-nahie of the Supreme Head of the Church and the Presbytery of Timaru, he now inducted Mr Todd into the pastoral charge of the Geraldine Presbyterian Church and member of the'Presbytery of. Timaru. - P

i The Eer. Mr then addressing. Mr Todd aa his brother in the ministry and co-presbytor, said it devolved upon him (the speaker) to saj a few words on the great work he was now to carry on as the minister of that congregation. He was not called to speak to him as if be were a novice, as he had had three or four years’ experience in the ministry. He might take but two words from the text just read, and would say “ Love Christ.” 'That was, the, sum , and substance of a minister’s' duties:; He could never forget how, more than 30 years ago, when he was a student for the ministry in Glasgow, an old, servant of God had said to him,' Try' to be a wee Jesus in the world.” He was quite sure that in entering upon the duties of; the office of minister in that place he felt the responsibility not a bit lighter or lesser than when he was first -Ordained. As they grew older cand were, longer in the ministry the duties and responsibilities laid heavier and, harder upon them. But while feeling something of the words of the apostle, “ Who is sufficient for these things ?” he reminds him that his sufficiency was of God. With Him

was all sufficiency, to aid him in his work, and to do his part therein. God sent no man to warfare on his own charges, an 4 while spewing tq love Christ he should try to realise also the words “ I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me ” That was the source of all strength to love Christ: Christ living in him. He impressed upon Mr Todd that the very first requisite for the carrying on of the ministry was personal piety. Ministers were in danger of neglecting that while caring perhaps too much for the piety of others. Genuine piety of heart, sympathy with God, would put him more and more in sympathy with men, and bring him more into the likeness of Him Who was their perfect pattern. Then he must be very careful to see that no duty was allowed to prevent him, making very careful preparation for his pulpit work. He must never, on any account go into the pulpit! without having first prepared himself, for the work very carefully indeed. He must be a student of God’s word and not only of that but of the great thought and business of the world around him, so that he might know what was going on around him, and adopt his ministry to the time in which he lived. He urged him never to take the results of bis study and preparation straight from the study to the pulpit without taking it first to God and asking his blessing upon it,

Another important part of his duty was careful pastoral visitation. This, although an important part, was not by any means the most important part. He was to do all the visiting he could, but must, on no account let it prevent him making good preparation for the pulpit. His members might complain of his not' visiting- sufficiently, but he must not be particularly = distressed about that, but he must never let them complain that he had neglected his pulpit work, for it was by his pulpit work he would keep his place among the people. He must not let his pastoral visits become mere gadding about and gossiping as was too often the case, He would conclude by trusting and praying that under the Great Head of the Church his. ministry there might be one of successful soul winning, and that the Geraldine district, so fair in itself by nature, might become, under r his ministry, a very garden of. the Lord, well watered, and exceedingly beautiful. The Eev. Mr White then addressed those present, pointing out that Mr Todd had been sent by God to preside over them. He had not come in his awn name, but in the name of his Master, Jesus Christ. He was the ambassador of Gdd to them. He claimed ‘ their sympathy, not so much for himself as for the office he was placed in.. He was only flesh ,and blood, like themselves, and therefore, like all others, was not perfect, although his ambition was to be perHe urged upon, them to pray for him. If they did that, and when they saw little faults went to their knees and asked God to bless both minister and people, he was sure the churches would all flourish. It was their bounden duty to pray for him. ft was not a matter of opinion, and if they did not db‘it they would not be free from blame. A little sympathy would be very much appreciated, and would cheer his heart in every time of trouble. A minister’s duties were in themselves pleasant duties, but sometimes the load was heavy, and he asked for their sympathy in his work. He pointed out that, their regular attendance at the church would be a great source of cheering and comfort to their young minister, but above all it would cheer and encourage him to see them coming forward and giving themselves to Christ. When their minister spoke honestly and truly to them of any shortcomings he might observe, and that truth bore hardly upon them, they must remember'that they expected him to be honest:with them, and he (the speaker) asked them to hold up the hands of their young minister in these circumstances. Another matter was the matter of finance. How could a minister go into his study and calmly sit down there and prepare his address to them if the worries and: troubles of this world as to matters of finance were pressing upon him ? If they wished to assist their minister let them see that all these matters were attended to, and that nothing earthly came between him and. ,the duties that devolved upon him. Mr WhitejConcluded by urging upon his hearers to assist their minister by their earnest and frequent prayers, n Another hymn having been sung, and the Benediction pronounced, Mr Gillies and Mr White escorted Mr Todd to the door, and introduced him to each of those present as they passed out. The Tea. and Public Meeting.

At six o’clock a tea and public meeting were held in the Volunteer Hall. There was a large attendance. The tables were presided over by Mesdamea Mackenzie, Reid, A. Irvine, Cochrane, Beattie, McLean, Skinner, Dunlop, R. Irvine, and Menzies, and Misses Gardiner, Mackenzie, BeJI, Kelraan (3), McLean, Button, Scroggie, and Helena. Despite the very large attendance there was ample room for all in the spacious hail. At the public meeting held afterwards there were a great many persons present. On the platform were ihe Revs. ( Dickson, McKee, Todd, sent, and junr., Gillies, Clement, White, and Steven. The choir, which was composed of. the members of the Presbyterian, Primitive Methodist and Anglican choirs, was under the leadership of Mr J. Aitken, Mr T. Sherratt presiding at the organ. Miss I’ish accompanied the soloists on the piano.

The Rev. Mr McKee having offered prayer the choir sang the beautiful hymn, “Onward Christian Sol4iers.il The Mr Dickson, who occupied the chair, apologised for the absence of the Rev. Mr Morrison, who was indisposed. He also read a letter of apology from the Rev. J. Preston, who had, been called away to Christchurch suddenly to attend a special meeting of the Dieoesan Synod.) The letter was, pne of hearty welcome to the Rev. Mr T6di3, and was reoeived with applause.) The meeting gathered there to welcome Mr Todd, was one of which any minister might be proud, and it argued well for the future success of his labors in the district. There was no doubt under ordinary circumstances he would remain in Geraldine acme time, and would doubtless find some good friends there. At the same, time, if he did his duty honestly, and spoke out against intemperance of all sorts, worjdlinoss, gambling social immorality, and unbelief, as he, the speaker, hoped he would, he would doubtlesa meet with some opposition Opposition, however, was a very good thing in its way, even for a minister. It spurred him on to, greater efforts. ' His aacceaa would depend largely upon the Christian he'p he received. He thought it was not asking too much to ask for that; He urged upon them nbw'vthe vacancy was filled, and they had got a minister, to rally round him and help by every, means ia their power. He had much pleasure m introducing Mr Todd to them, and would now ask him to take the chair, IGn the latter gentleraaa taking the chair he was greeted with prolonged applause. He said he thanked them very

heartily for the very kind greeting they l,iad given hint that day, both by their presence in the afternoon and there that evening. He entered upon his duty with a certain amount of diffidence oh account of his youth and apparent inexperience in the ihinistry, but still full .of good hope, because of God’s Word, in which he said, “ Lo, I am with,you always.’’ He would not, however;' be alone, and should look to hie congregation for that sympathy and help a pastor was entitled to from his congregation. Every person in ; the church had a place to, fill that no one else could fill. | j He asked for the co-operation of all of them by each one doing the work that lay close to his hand. If the Church was to prosper it would have ts be by each one doing with hie might the work that •his hands found to do. He asked; for their kindly forbearance and sympathy, and;that they;wou!d not bo too critical in dealing, with ,hitn, that they would over: look mistakes and failures, belhyiug that they came from inexperience leatherthan from any lack of zeal on his ' part. He looked forward with great pleasure to the help Be expected to get from the young men, ft’hom Be. asked to coma forward; and give him their assistance.;. If.the Church; was to be a powerful force as years went on it must be by the young men and women coming forward and working heartily, and he hoped the young men and women of his congregation would do all in their power to help on the Church work. Ha came among them as a preacher of the gospel,'and he wished : to make the pulpit his throne. The desired to proclaim the old old-story id Jesus and Him as adapted, to. all requirements jOf eur changeful life. He asked them to assist turn by giving him time to prepare for,his; pulpit duties. In fatia last circuit one sefmon a fortnight was all he had to prepare, 'whereas l now he would have to prepare ’four,, consequently hia . work would I be; four ! Times as hard mentally,. He came as their pastor, and he; hoped to be,interested in all that concerned them. He .wished, in fact, to be a friend to each and .to,all. Their religion must be seen in till their relationships. He hop6d to find their religion permeating all their interests. Ho came among them as a citizen, and also as a Presbyterian. He would not be the latter did he not .believe that it was the best workable form for spreading.the Kingdom of Christ. He would not exaggerate the differences there were between the different sections of the Christian Church, but the bonds of resemblance between the Christian Churches were many. He desired to cooperate with all who loved and served Jesus; Christ ;in whatever section they might be found. , Ho again thanked them for the way they received him in Geralr dine,...

ThA selection “Saviour, Love,” was 1 sung by Mrs HiskenB r and : Misses Fish, Miller, and : Gardiner, sand Messrs Moore and Aitken. The Rey. Mr McKee congratulated Mr Todd on the success of his induction. In ; heartily wishing him ‘‘ God speed,” he was sure he spoke the wish, of every member of the Presbytery. H?> assured the congregation thkt Mr Todd had come them with a desire to extend the work of Christ. He:said if they wished to injure hia prospects and work they could not do, it more; effectually than by . tattling and fault-finding, If they at any time had a grieyance let them visit him at the Manse, and it would, soon be’ set . right, Anyone fault-finding or speaking lightly of their minister was simply destroying his influence .’for good. -Mr McKee went on to enumerate a number of ways in which; they might strengthen the bands of their minister. *

Solo, “Pass under the rod,” Mr E. Logan;./// Mr, SV,. Mooi‘», in the absence of; the Rev, J. Preston, said that little more than a week ago- the Presbyterian branch of the Churct; had an opportunity of meeting th'ery , f6 !i, ehqw‘ their brotherly 1 ’ feeling to the'Episcopalian brajch, and 5 had mot there ‘fco' give t hearty welcome" to lhair hew " bishop. ,It gave him/ very greait:pleasure :to be present that/evening, to return | that expression of feeling. In the .name of '■ the members of the Episcopalian branch of the Church he bid Mr Todd’ welcome to Geraldine. He had! called them branches of the Church,' an'd ! did "so' advisedly, for whatever differencesot opinion there we're as to church govern-,. rasnt,/ there was only one Church, the Church of Christ. He had said they, were branches, but it must be a source of increasing pleasure to every right thinking man as he felt that year after year they were drawing closer to each other. Jle prayed that God in his mercy would grant that it might end in a general reunion, (Hear, hear,) He trusted that they in Geraldine- might work together for the good of the community, and tho cause: of Christ,, Mr White, during the afternoon, bad asked for the sympathy and prayers of the congregation to assist Mr Todd in, Kis Work. He trusted he' (Mr Todd) would accept his sympathy and his prayers. (Applause.) He again gaye turn a most hearty w e lcoiqo to Geraldine, and extended to hint the right hand of fellowship, Mr Moore here shook hands with Mr Todd, and sat down amidst loud applause., , , , ‘ ,

Selection by the choir, “ Fierce Raged the Tempest.” After an Interval of a few minutes, Mies Dunlop sang * Where is Heaven / ' The Roy, Q. Clement expressed the very great pleasure it gave him to } be present that evening to welcome Mr Todd, aS'a brother minister, to Geraldine. Ho assured! him; that his visits: among: the people of the district would convince himof their kindness and hospitality. He pointed out to those present many ways in which they cou'd assist their 'minister, and congratulated the Presbyterian brethren on their choice, and on securing suqh a minister as they had there as their guest that evening. He concluded by wishing him a career of usefulness and prosperity in the truest sense pf the word. Anthem by the choir 1 1 will lift up mine eyes.’ The chairman said few things had given him greater 7 pleasure' than halving bis father present at his induction, and he ' would ask him to say a few words. The Rev. Mr Todd, senior, said he was very glad to be there and witness the settlement of hia son that day, and the welcome they bad given him. While sitting there he had been thinking of his own induction many years.ego. He drew a vivid picture of some of the outlying parishes in the very early days of the colony, and the modes of travelling then in vogue. He gave a brief sketch of the education and ministerial training of bis

son, and his subsequent appointment to a parish in New Zealand, He was very thankful to witness his son’s settlement, as the parents present were to see their sons better off than themse'ves. .(Applause.) He had been a good son to him, and therefore he thought he would prove a faithful minister; (Applause.) Id a few earnest words he pointed out to those present their great and personal responsibility to God. Solo, Miss Andrews, ‘The Pilgrim Fathers.’ The Rev,i; Mr White, in ar very few words congratulated both minister and congregation upon the happy settlement of that day and wished them every suceesa. Ssleclion by the choir, “Thou koowest all.”: ,

The Eey. Mr Gillies said it was with peculiar pleasure he was present that evening to rejoice, with them in the joy of their settlement of their new minister. Yery specially did he rejoice, because their minister was one of their yoong New Zealanders. (Loud applause.) He thought this should give him a very special claim upon the fathers and mothers of the district, and also the young people for their sympathy, and their help in the work of Christian , ministry in their midst. He believed that it was by having young ministers they would succeed in gaining the hearts of the young people, and he believed (he young New Zealanders, as they took partin the work, would do far better than those that c»me from the Old Country, because this was their native land and they were in touch and had the sympathies of their countrymen. In politics the hope of the country was in the young New Zealand party, and he believed it was the same in the Church. This gave him great pleasure, not that he despised hia but every dog had bis day, and they had had theirs. (Laughter ) He was especially pleased to know that the Geraldine people had the prospect of having in a few years one of their sons in the ministry £©r he knew of one studying with that object in view. (Applause.) He believed he himself was the first of that party, though not born in New Zealand. Ho got the earlier part of his training in public speeldng, as bullock puncher, in Mr Todd, sear's., district (Tokomairiro.) (Loud laughter.) They all knew that bullocks required some very firm and very plain speaking sometimes. (Laughter.) If some of their ministers had a similar training they might possibly be able to speak out plainer from the pulpit than they did. He (Mr Gillies) was then farming in that very district when their new minister was born, and spent many years of his early life there, and although he could notboast of academical honors like Mr Todd, as a JB. A., yefc he kept in his pocket a certificate , which he considered to be quite eqnal to it or any other such honor, namely, a certificate as secondprize ploughman at the first ploughing match held in the colony, in 1858 or thereabouts. (Tremendous applause and laughter). He hoped to see many of their goodliest young men coming forward and undertaking the work of the ministry. He congratulated Mr Todd, sen., and rejoiced with him in his joy at seeing the happy settlement of his son in Geraldine, and hoped that day was the first of many happy days to come in the new relationship. He hoped should the members of the Presbytery visit Geraldine on the anniversary of that evening they would find that their joy of that evening had increased tenfold. (Loud applause). MrJ. Aitken moved a vote of thanks to the ladies ; Mr N. Dunlop to the speakers, and to the Rev, ;Mr Dickson who had acted as Moderator during the vacancy in the jehuren ; Mr R, Irvine to the eboir ; and the Rev. Mr Dickson to the chairman. All the votes were carried by acclamation.

The singing of the Doxology, and the pronouncing of the Benediction by the Rev. Mr Todd, sen., terminated a very enthusiastic and enjoyable meeting.