CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEETING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 110, 17 March 1870, Page 5

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEETING.

A meeting of the adherents and others interested in the establishment of a Congregational Church in Lawrence, was held in the Athenseum on Tuesday evening last. There was a very fair attendance. Mr. Bastings was called to the chair, and ptated the object of the meeting. It appeared from what was stated, that when the Rev. Mr. Menzies was invited to Lawrence, he was engaged by the trustees of the church for a period of three pionths, and the meeting was held to give the trustees an opportunity of forming an opinion whether there was sufficient encouragement offered for the establishment of a church in connection with the Independent body, and also to ascertain if Mr. Menzies liked the district, and would be prepared to make a permanent stay. The financial statement was read, from which it appeared things were in a most satisfactory position. The sum of £68 was in hand after purchasing a half-acre section of land in Whitehaven-street, and also a harmonium. That sum did not include collections made at Wetherstones, where a committee had been appointed. None of the district committees are controlled by the central committee, but are left to manage their own affairs. Several gentlemen present considered they were warranted in inviting Mr. Menzies to remain amongst them permanently. It was stated that a number of friends to the cause had voluntarily expressed their intention of contributing quarterly to the stipend fund ; and it was thought there would be no difficulty in giving Mr. Menzies a guarantee of £200 a year. A resolution was then unanimously passed to that effect, which also stated that a larger sum would be given if the trustees found themselves in a position to do so. A Lawrence committee was appointed to work in conjunction with the trustees. Mr. Menzies was then sent for, and in entering the room was informed of the decision of the meeting. He expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement made. He was quite willing to remain amongst them, and was pleased to know they appreciated his humble services. He would not, however, upon any account, wish to bind the committe to any particular amount of stipend, and would hot even hold them responsible for the arrangement they had made. He would do his best for the cause, and would leave the matter of stipend at their own disposal A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a termination.