WAIRARAPA PRESBYTERY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10501, 13 December 1911, Page 5

WAIRARAPA PRESBYTERY.

INAUGURAL PROCEEDINGS. WELtX)ME~LUNCHEON. The inaugural proceedings of the Wairarapa Presbytery were held m Masterton yesterday. The visitors and a number of local guests were entertained at a luncheon in the Arcadia Tea rooni3. The Revs. A. T. Thompson, S. J. SenpeU (Methodist), and A. Hodge (Congregational) welcomed the visitors, and spoke of the benefit a Prts [ bytery in. this district would ho to the work of the Church. I The Rev. G. K. 'Stowell Wairarapa) responded on lehalf of the visitors. BUSINESS MEETING The ministers and elders then adjourned to Knox Hall where they proceeded with the first business of th«-> new Presbytery. , The Rev. Stowell was unanimously appointed moderator. The other canisters present were the Revs L. Thompson (Carterton). E. C. Tcnnant (Martinborough), P. B. F laser, M.A., (Superintendent of Homo Missions), i •and: J. Ross (who. was the first minis-ter.-of the Presbyterian Church : in the Wairarapa.) Mr G. H. Ralph, of Eketaihuna, was also present. The Rev. Tennant moved that the' Rev. A. T. Thompson be Presbytery Clerk. The motion was seconded by the Rev. L. Thompson, and carne-.l unanimously. The commissions of Messrs Aitclieson (South Wairarapa) arvi G» Falla (Masterton) were sustained. The Rev. L. Thompson moved, the Rev. Mr Tennant seconded, ami- it was carried 1 tihat"thevisituna.ekleii bo a&sociated with "the' Presbytery..for; the day; •'.; •' \- . : '^m : - K",." ; 1 "The Revs.'Ross .and Fraser, and- Mr -Ralph'were also associated with 'the Presbytery. •• . ' The Rev. Ross stated that it »as a grsat pleasure to lnm to U» present at the inaugural meeting of the Wairarapa Presbytery. He congratulate! 'she members on reaching the'"p-VWnt stage. The Rev. Fraser also- expressed his pleasure at being present at the birth of the Presbytery. It was a sign that , the brethre'i here felt they flight to make'"a 1 fdiVard movement.

■ At this'stage the Clerk read a 'telegram from the Wellington Prjsbyvry sending their best wishes. The Clerk was instructed to reply to the greetings. JYlasterton was tixed as the place for ordinary meetings of th«> Presbytry, and the dale was arranged f o be the second Tuesday everv two ronths at 12.30 p.m.. '._■..,. -• . • , The'-matters of assessments and the payment of the expenses, of visiting delegates were referred to a committee consisting of the Olerk: and! Mr 'F«Ua. - . ■'■'.';' The Clerk 'was authorised to obt'iia any stationary needed in connection wibh his work. The Rev. L. Thompson -.vs-s appointed corresponding member of the Church Extension Committee. Mr Ralph mentioned the advisability of forming a Church Session at Eketahuna. The Clerk .stated that the matter would bo kept in view. Votes of thanks were accorded the Revs. Ross and Eraser for their attendance. GARDEN PARTY. Mr and Mrs 11. T. Wood entertained the-visitors at a garder party at their residence in Victoria. Street, and refreshments were handed maud. The host and hostess were accorded a hearty vote of thanks on -he "otion of the Rev. A. T. Thompson for their •hospitality. While, in Mr' Wood's grounds a photograph was taken of the Rev. Ross and quite a number of the old members who assisted him in forming the Masterton Presbyterian Church over forty years ago. PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was. held in Knox Church last evening, at which tihe moderator presided. The Rev. Fraser, in an address, gave a lengthy and interesting description of the history of Presnyterianism and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Ross thanked those responsible for inviting him to be present. Tt had enabled him to T'-eet old friends whom he had not seen for many years, and whom be might never meet again. Mr Ross related Many interesting reminiscences of the hardship suid sacrifice entailed in the work of the Presbyterian Churr-h in this district in the old days. He expressed his groat delight at .seeing so many .things-now accomplished that had •bcerrconsiderod ridiculous in the early days. 'hie Rev. L. Thompson proposed a vote of thanks to the officers and members of the local c'hurch for their hospitality, and to the speakers. Tlie motion was carried by acclamation . The Rev. A. T. Thompson replied, after which the Rev. Ross pronounced the benediction.