PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1439, 3 September 1884, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

An we mentioned in our Monday's is-jne, the opening services in connection will) the abovt* church were held on Sunday last, morning, afternoon and evening. The day being favorable large congregations attended, especially in the evening, when the church was literally packed, and seventl had to return home being unable to find sitting room. The Rev. W. Douglas, M.A., of Hokitika, conducted the services in a very able manner. At the close of the morning discourse lit congratulated the congregation on the occasion which had specially called them together. He expressed his pleasure that a Presbyterian Church had at length been built in Reefton, and that they were about to have a minister appointed over them. He also referred to the fact that the Presbyterian Church was often as in the present instance, the last in tlie fH>* ; he regretted this fact, but accounted for it partly because Presbyterians demanded a trained and highly educated ministry ; they also claimed the right to choose tlieiv own minister, and acknowledged tie duly of providing a decent maintenance for him. These things naturally led to caution, undue caution too often. At the same time, however, the attachment of the people to the church of their fathers was manifested by the way they rallied round the blue banner when it was unfurled. He prayed that they would long be spared to enjoy the^ precious privilege of a preached gospel with h» us walls, that the chuvch might become the birthplace of, many an heir of heaven and the theatre of a living and active Christianity. The offertories, morning and e veiling/ were ni R ' f l °f ne Builcling Fund, artn realised the handsome sum of about £30. ,

The services connected with the ordination of the Rev. W. J. Gow, to the pastoral charge of Knox Church tookplace on Tuesday evenitm, theßev.P. R.Monro, of Westport, officiated and notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather there was a large congregation present. After the sermon the Rev. Mr Douglas related the steps which led up to the call and settlement of the Rev. Mr Gow, and put the usual questions to him and having received satisfactory answers, the rev. gentleman engaged in prayer, during which the Rev. Mr Gow was by the laying on of hands, solemnly ordained to the work of the H oly Ministry, and inducted to the charge of the Reefton congregation arid district. Sriilable addresses were delivered ¥o the and people by the Rev. Mr Weshbrooke, of Greymouth, and the congregation on retiring, in accordance with the usual custom, welcomed the new minister by giving the right hand of fellowship. The proceedings throughout were characterised by much good spirit and cordiality. The Presbytery of Westland adjourned until to-day.