Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/136

102 offer was made in the beginning of April 1888, and it was heard of by the office-bearers and members of the congregation, as well as by Dr Stuart's numerous other friends, with feelings of extreme satisfaction. Yielding to the representations and solicitations of his office-bearers and friends, Dr Stuart accepted the offer. The congregation met on May 3, 1888, and warmly supported the granting of the proposed furlough. This well-timed generosity of Messrs Ross and Glendining was the more heartily appreciated as experience had shown that in all probability Dr Stuart would not have been prevailed upon to take his well-earned and much-needed holiday under any other arrangement. All needful preparations having been made with the least possible delay, Dr Stuart left Dunedin by train on May 30, 1888, accompanied by the good wishes and prayers of numerous friends. He sailed next day from Lyttelton for London in the direct steamer "Kaikoura,"—his friends Mr and Mrs R. Glendining being fellow-passengers.

Before Dr Stuart's departure very satisfactory arrangements were made with the Rev. J. H. Cameron for his carrying on the pastoral work of the congregation. The Rev. Dr Dunlop kindly consented to act as moderator of the Session and Deacons' Court, and the Minister's Bible Class was taken in charge by Dr Hislop and Mr G. M. Thomson. The Rev. Mr Cameron entered with zeal on the performance of the duties undertaken by him, and discharged them with much ability, prudence, and acceptability throughout the entire period of Dr Stuart's absence. The congregation held loyally together, and faithfully supported Mr Cameron and the office-bearers by a steady attendance upon ordinances, and maintained by means of its various agencies and organisations its reputation for activity and usefulness.

On the 15th of August letters posted at Teneriffe were received from Dr Stuart, giving particulars of his voyage up to that point, and