WELCOMING A PASTOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 35, 12 February 1890, Page 4

WELCOMING A PASTOR.

MOUNT EDEN BAPTIST CHUBiCH.

The annual tea and public meeting in connection with the anniversary of the above church took place last night. There was a good attendance at the tea, while the after meeting was crowded. At the latter meeting Mr J. Webley, a deacon, took the chair temporarily until the formal welcome of the new minister, Rev. G. D. Cox. The Secretary (Mr Colegrove) read an apology for non-atteadance from the Rev, W. Birch, who was conducting a ' service afr Pakuranga, but who expressed his warmest interest in the Mount Eden cause.

The Secretary then read his annual report, which stated that through removals and otherwise the number of members upon the roll had decreased from 69 to 66. The Sunday School had 12 teachers and 120 scholars on March 20th last; while the Baud of Hope, which was in a flourishing condition, had 280 members. A benevolent fund had been established in connection with the church, the members contributing not less than one penny each per week : this fund had proved very serviceable. The week-night services had not been so well attended as could be wished, but an improvement was now looked for. Reference was made to the valued services of Mr J. F. Jones, ot'Dunedin, and to other supplies* who had occupied the pulpit for ten weeks* after the Rev. T. Bray's resignation ; aad: the negotiations entered into for obtaining: the Rev. Mr Cox's services were also referred to.

Mr Webley then extended the right hand of welcome to Mr Cox, who forthwith took the chair, and, in order to satisfy any, inquiries as to "who he was," ga«/e a brief account of his ministerial life tince 1871. After having studied tor thr.ee years in Spurgeon'sCollege, hehadhel^theoversight of one or two congregations ab, Home, bat on. account of his wife's and hi,s own delicate health at that time he h^d come to Australia. On leaving the o'id country he received an expression of esteem in the shape of £280 that had been subscribed for him. After several years spent in Australia, he had now been invited to Mount Eden Baptist Church. Hia past ministrations, he. could also say without egotism, had been marked by numerous additions to the church. He seldom had such a bad " subject " as himself, and promised that ho should not henceforth trouble the members with personal matters. Mr Cox then urged the church to give him hearty support, aud pointed out various avenues of Christian! work that should be occupied. After a hymn, an address was delivered: by the Rev. A. Webb, of Melbourne. Having; referred to Mr Cox's work in Australia,'he' went on to speak of " holiness and power,'" which he defined as the full possession of Christ in the heart. He thought fchare was. good scope for the church at Mou.nt Eden, and predicted that before very long the church would need enlarging. The Rev. B. 1,. Thomaa followed with some practical remarks, mixed with a little humour, and then welcomed Mr Cox in the name of the Auckland Congresf&tionalists, wishing him every success.

The Rev. J. D. Gilmoire, of Ponsonby Baptist Church, spoke of the duty of church members in supporting their minister, and urged caution in nob leaving everything tohim. Every member should do his or her* share to make the church a power for good ß He hoped the church building would have, to be enlarged.

The Rev. J. S. Hill briefly addressed tho audience on the words, " Admit," "Commit," and "Transmit," and thd meeting then ended.