PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 70, 17 December 1896, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

A most interesting ceremony was witnessed in the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, yesterday afternoon, when the induction of the Rev. J. M. Mitchell was solemnised. A large congregation ass: mbled to witness the event, and the church brightened by the warmly-tinted paint looked cheerful and pretty. After several Microti selections, the Rev. Mr, Ferguson, of Devouport, delivered u most interest'iig sermon, taking his test from the 120th Psalm 20th verse. The induction ceremony was then commenced, the Rev. Mr Somervi'le, moderator of the church, officii tins;, assisted by the Revs. Ftrguson, MacDonald, Scott-West, Evans and Ros=, the incoming minister ' aking the necessary vows The Rev Mr Somerville delivered a most impressive address in which he stated that although Mr Mitchell was a tot'il stranger to them all, the excellent commendations borne by him would lind him a loving place in their confidence and esteem, and while he (the speaker) congratulated him upon the fact that bis lines bad been cast in such pleasant places, there was no doubt he would have to face many trials and tribulations, it was to be hoped that the people would rally round him. As a new-comer he would have nvich to learn ami have much to forget; but he would have to adapt himself to his strange environment and in Mr Mitchell he was sure'hey would find a capable and zealous minister. He congratu'ated the congregation upon scenting the services of such a man, and hoped they would lend him all the assistance in their power. The Rev. Scott-West also spoke in high praise of Mr Mitchell, whom lie had known in Scotland. He congratulated those belonging to thy Church upon their ohtamiiig the services of such it man, and said their good fortune was entirely due to the kindness of their friends in the Old Country. He urged upon them the necessity of striving to obtain an independent position in this respect. In Mr Mitchell they had a voting man, mentally and physically sui'ed for the good work, and lie asked them to extend that sympathy, which lind the effect of brightening the lot of a mini.-tcr, and could not fail to give him greater zest. At the conclusion of the service the whole of the congregation embraced the opportunity of welcoming the new minister, and Mr das. Reid t ok a photo cf the group of rev. gentlemen, and the Church. THE CONYEKSAZIONE. The convcrsaz'one organi-ed by the members of the l'rcsbyttrian Chinch as a welcome to the Rev. Mr Mitchell and a farewell to the Rev. Mr Ross; was a complete success. The Volunteer Hall was crowded, and the Rev. Mr Mitchell presided. Speeches were delivered by the Revs. Ferguson, McDonald, .Scott West, Mitchell and Evans. AH spoke in the most glowing t-itms of the vast amount of work that had been accomplished by the Rev Mr Ross during the eight months he was in charge cf the flock. Mr Riss, in reply, spoke most feelingly upon the subject. The evening, ho sud, was one of the most joyous and memorable he had spent in his ministerial history. He congratulated the congregation upon the improved con lit'on of their church as compared with its condition some eight months ago, and also upon the arrival and sett'ement of a Minister in every way suited to the Waikato, and said he felt sure the church was now entering upon a new ami prosperous eiieer. During the evening some viry cho r ee musical items were rendered, including a duct " The Sailor Sighs," by Mrs Austin and Mr Moachcin ; '" Holy City," Mr Unstable; " Auld Robin (way," Miss Reid ; " Queen of the Earth," Dr. Kenr.y ; " Calvaiy," Mr Mcacbcm ; besides several charming cl.onuses by the company consist »g of Misses Mollis, Reid, ' Neison (->), Murray, Raker. Meachcm and Messrs T. Sialic, (Jeo Edgccuml e, 11. F. Sandes, J. Primrose, J. Edgtcumbe and Huxtable,

At the in'erval refreshments were handed round, and at the einclusion votes ( f thanks were passed to Mr Mitchell and those ladies and gentlemen who supplied the music aud the refreshments. The accompaniments were played in a faultless manner by Mrs Austin and Miss Wiighr.