PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 229, 20 June 1872, Page 7

PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE

The soiree to celebrate the induction of the Rev Jas. Cameron to the pastoral charge of the Lawrence Presbyterian congregation, took place in the church on Wednesday evening last. Despite the Siberiau weather, there was a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen. The tables were plentifully supplied, and the good things provided, judging from results, meet with' general appreciation. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Jamison, Stenhouse, M'Nicoll, Darton, Low, G. Morison, Walker, W. Anderson, Dale, Moss, Downie, and James Robertson and Misses Robertson and Eckhold, who ministered to the wants of those present in a manner that left no room for cavil. Tea was ready at 6 o'clock, and when it had been disposed of, the tables were cleared, and the second part of the proceedings commenced.

The Rev. Mr. Cameron occupied the chair, and on the platform with him, were the Revs! Mr. Kirkland, Allen, Chisholm, Dr. Copland, Menzie3, and Bull.

The Chairman gavo out the 100 th psalm, and when it had been sung,

Mr. Stenhouse, the Church Secretary, gave a statement of the receipts and*fexpenditure -of the church for the last twenty-two months, which showed that the church was in a highly satisfactory condition, financially. The receipts were £1089, and the expenditure, £1073; showing a balance in favor of the church of £16. Mr. Stenhouse stated that the Sunday School was in a flourishing condition. It had 70 pux)ils on the roll, with an average attendance of 50. He also referred to the Clark's Fiat school, in connexion with the church, which had *an attendance of over 20.

The Rev. Mr. Bull then addressed the assemblage on the necessity of assisting the minister in little matters, instead of cavillmg»as was sometimes done. He also referred to the auspicious occasion which had brought them together. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland congratulated the congregation upon having secured the services of Mr. Cameron as pastor, and hoped that they might long be spared together. He adverted to the necessity of faith and perseverance in overcoming difficulties.

The Rev. Dr. Copland, who was received with applause, alluded to the recent spiritualistic controversy, and gave some interesting reminisences of the time when he first took charge of the Lawrence congregation. He referred to the kindness and encouragement he had always met with, and hoped that they would be extended to Mr. Cameron. He congratulated the church on its being out of debt and in a flourishing condition, hoping it would go on and prosper, both spiritually and temporally. It had now an opportunity of extending its usefulness, which he hoped it would take advantage of. The speaker concluded by wishing the new pastor and the congregation every happiness in their respective spheres.

The Rev. Mr. Chisholm expressed the pleasure he felt at being present, and joined with the previous speakers in congratulating the pastor and congregation on ihe auspicious event that was being celebrated, and hoped that the tie which bound them together might long remain unbroken.

Mr. M'Nicoll hoped that the connexion of ( Mr. Cameron with the church would be attended with benefit and happiness to both, and that they would work together harmoniously. The Rev. Mr. Menzies said he felt great interest in the the proceedings, as in much as the Rev. Mr. Cameron had l&bouredinthesame district as he had in the

old country. He was glad that he would have an opportunity of co-operating with him here in the work of grace. He alluded to the relations which should subsist between pastor and congregation. He adverted to the descration of the Sabbath day so prevalent, and gave several instances which had come within his own observation. The carelessness and neglect of many in regard to things spiritual, ho attributed to the absence of home restraints, but trusted the influenco of example would cause many to l-espect the Sabbath, and to attend to the means of grace.

Mr. Brady stated that he stood in the same relation to Dr. Copland as Timothy did to Paul, for through the ministrations of Dr. Copland, he had been brought to forsake evil ways, lie deplored the irreligious tendencies of the time, and hoped that a revival of religion would shortly take place.

Paul Ah Chin related some of his experiences in Chinese mission work. He said that often when he was trying to impart to Chinese a knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity they scuffed at him, and asked him how much a week he got for preaching. He, however, hoped that before long, all Chinese would be brought to believe in Christ.

The Key. Mr. Allen said he was afraid that many were falling into the ways of the Israelites of old, who, instead of sacrificing the best in their flocks, used to pick out the " scrubbers," and devote them to the service of God — were professing religion while neglecting the vital principles. Ministers of religion were frequently taunted with performing their duties merely for the salary. He flung baclc those taunts in the teeth of those who made them. If he thought that his ministrations were of no benefit to his fellow creatures, he would fling oft' his coat and work in the mines, the forest, or on the farm. Te pulpit was not effete, as had been stated — it still had vigor to preach the doctrines of Christ, and would pei'severe in its efforts to bring men to salvation. He added his congratulations to those already given on the appointment of Mr. Cameron to the pastorate of the Lawrence Presbyterian congregation.

In the interval between the addresses, several psalms were sung by those present.

' Votes of thanks were given to the ladies, to the Moderator of the Clutha Presbytery, and to the Chairman. The benediction was then pronounced, and brought the proceedings to a close.

On the following evening, the Sabbath School children' met in the church, and were regaled to their satisfaction with tea, buns, &c. The Rev. J. Cameron, who occupied the chair, delivered an impressive address to the children assembled, and afterwards questioned the children on Bi' Leal subjects, the answers to which showed creditable proficiency. Addresses were also given by Mr. Jamison, Mr. W. Anderson, and Mr. James Robertson. At intervals, the children sung in excellent style several hymns. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves well, and departed to their homes highly pleased with the entertainment provided for them.