Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/155

Rh calling, brethren," &c. Before asking the appointed questions prior to induction, Dr Stuart briefly expressed his indebtedness to the Home Commissioners for their painstaking and conscientious zeal in the selection they had made, concluding his remarks as follows:—"Our belief is that they have been wisely guided, and I trust that for many a day we shall rejoice in their choice, and that we shall have going in and out amongst us a co-worker, a leader worthy of the position which he has been called to occupy, and a man of God whose example we may constantly follow." The appointed questions having been put and answered, Mr Davidson received the right hand of fellowship, the moderator saying, "In the name, my brother, of the Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church, and by authority of the Presbytery, I gladly welcome you into the co-pastorship of this congregation, and wish you every blessing necessary for the efficient and complete discharge of the ministry which we have committed unto you."

The Rev. Dr Dunlop then addressed the newly-inducted minister in remarkably well-chosen words, after which the Rev. Mr Will addressed the congregation on their privileges and duties. Mr E. B. Cargill, the senior elder of the congregation, then presented Mr Davidson, on behalf of the women of the congregation, with a cassock and gown, accompanying the gift with an expression of their good wishes and hopes. Mr Davidson having replied in feeling terms, the proceedings of a most pleasant and interesting evening were brought to a close by an anthem from the choir and the pronouncing of the benediction by Dr Stuart.

On the following Friday (May 2, 1890) a conversazione was held in the Garrison Hall for the purpose of welcoming Mr Davidson as co-pastor of Knox Church. "The hall was decorated in a manner that was evidently dictated by artistic taste, and the stage was converted for the nonce into a handsomely-appointed drawing room. The Rev. Dr Stuart presided, and was supported by the majority of the office-bearers of Knox Church. There was, besides, a very large and representative gathering, among whom we noticed the Ven. Archdeacon Edwards, the Revs. J. H. Cameron, G. Barclay (Geraldine), D. Dutton, R. R. M. Sutherland, A. Cameron, J. Niven, J. Ryley, G. W. J. Spence, A. North, J. Waters, J. Crewe (Christchurch), and B. Ready,