Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/153

Rh in spirit, wise in counsel, prudent in conduct, firm of purpose but conciliatory in manner, and also willing to co-operate heartily with the ministers and laymen of other churches in promoting the religious, educational, and social welfare of the entire community.

"5. It is extremely desirable that the choice of the Commissioners should fall upon one who will take particular interest in securing the hearts and the confidence of the youth of the congregation, and also of 'them that are without,' by his own good example, and by showing due regard to their special circumstances and needs in his pulpit and other ministrations. It is also desirable that he should be a person of active habits, who would take pleasure in visiting the members of his flock, especially the sick and the sorrowful; who would prove easily accessible to the humble and the diffident; and who, by his general culture and bearing, would render himself acceptable to all classes in the congregation and in the community.

"6. It is regarded as indispensable that the person selected should be of a sound, healthy, and vigorous constitution; that he should be of gentlemanly appearance and demeanour, and possessed of a clear and distinct utterance in the pulpit; also that he should not be a very young man, or altogether inexperienced in the work of the ministry. He should not, however, exceed forty years of age; even a younger man, other things being equal, would be very much preferred.

"7. The office-bearers and the congregation are prepared to abide by whatever choice the Commissioners may make, and the gentleman selected by them may rest assured that he will receive a most hearty welcome on his arrival, and cordial support thereafter.

"8. The following information may prove of interest to the Commissioners and those with whom they may place themselves in communication:—Knox Church building, erected in 1876, is an exceedingly handsome structure, and is seated for over 1200 persons, and the enrolled membership is over 1000. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is administered quarterly, the average number of communicants being about 650. Divine service is held in the morning and the evening of every Sabbath; the afternoon being devoted to Sabbath School instruction. There are some out-stations in the neighbourhood of Dunedin connected with the congregation, at which the services as a rule are conducted by lay members, with occasional visits from the minister. The last Annual Report, of which copies are