Presbyterian Church in England. COLLECTIONS AND DONATIONS. | April 10, Quarterly Contribution from FOREIGN MISSIONS. Collections:- Workington £3 0 0 1 0 0 Regent Square Congrega- £21 2 0 27 17 1 0 12 0 The following have since been received, 1 30 namely: 200 April 26, Edward Walker, Esq. Torquay 1 1 0 Balance of River Terrace Con- Glanton Haltwhistle 0 12 1 2 5 6 1 0 0 1 12 0 £10 0 0 W. C. Marshall, Subscrip. . 4 0 0 Small Sums 0 86 Salford. Ancoats. Sabb. School 1 3 9 1860, by Mr. D. Reid bytery £5 19 9 £3 0 0 2 0 0 500 The Treasurer takes this occasion to intimate, that the funds being completely exhausted, whilst the Annual Collections do not commence until November, he will be grateful for intermediate Contributions, to enable him to meet the outlay 5 11 0 which must unavoidably be made before the Collections come round. £27 0 0 Association. 9 10 0 De Beauvoir Town Hampstead, half Collection. 8 17 8 1 2 0 PRESBYTERY OF NEWCASTLE. THE Presbytery met at Wark, on the 27th ult., and was duly constituted. Present The Rev. George B. Blake, moderator; Messrs. Mackenzie, Dinwiddie, Black, Brown, Anderson, Wrightson, and Reid, ministers; with Mr. Thomas P. Woods, elder. The minute of last meeting was read and 5 19 0 sustained. Elders' commissions in the usual form, from Falstone, and Monkwearmouth, in favour of Messrs. John Crozier, and John Num-Robson, appointing them respectively to represent said Sessions in this Presbytery for the current year, were laid on the table £2 12 6 and read, and their names added to the Roll. Reason of absence from Mr. Miller was read and sustained. 1 12 7 2 10 0 The clerk reported that he had received due notice of Mr. Saphir's induction at Greenwich; and the edict declaring Laygate Church vacant, was returned duly served and attested. A narrative of Sessional proceedings at Wark, during the ministry of Mr. Wrightson, together with the Communion Roll, was submitted, read, and ordered to be attested. The edict, citing the Session and Congregation of Wark to appear this day, was returned duly served and attested. The Presbytery then resumed consideration of Mr. Wrightson's request for leave to resign his charge. Parties having been called, there appeared, for the Congregation, Mr. Lionel Robson; for the Session, Messrs. Roger Clark and William Robson, and Mr. Wrightson for himself. Parties having been heard, were removed; and, after deliberation and considerable discussion, it was resolved by a majority, that Mr. Wrightson's resignation be accepted, and be furnished with a Presbyterial certificate. Mr. Dinwiddie having engaged in prayer, the Moderator declared Mr. Wrightson loosed from his charge at Wark, and Mr. Anderson was appointed to moderate in the Session during the vacancy. Mr. Anderson, on behalf of the Committee appointed to examine the schools of the Falstone district, reported that these schools had been examined, and were found to be in a very satisfactory condition. The Home Mission Supplemental Schedule from Blythe was laid on the table, examined, and ordered to be attested. Messrs. Mackenzie, Blake, and Dinwiddie, ministers, with Mr. John H. Wake, elder, were appointed a Committee to examine St. John's Sessional Schools. Mr. Dinwiddie, Convener. The meeting closed with prayer. PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND. conduct public worship at Birdhope Craig, on Sabbath, the 26th inst., and at the conclusion of the diet, to preside at the election of a minister to the vacant charge, and thereafter to moderate in a call to the person who may be chosen by the major part of the congregation; the Presbytery appoint Mr. Edwards to serve the edict to that effect on Sabbath, the 19th current, in the usual form. In the absence of Mr. Blythe, the Presbytery appoint Mr. Fergus to hold a meeting, and preside in the Session at Birdhope Closed Craig, on Sabbath, 26th instant. with prayer. Alnwick, June 5th, 1861. A pro re nata meeting of Presbytery was held here. Sederunt the Moderator, Mr. Douglas, Messrs. Edmonds, Benvie, Fotheringham, and the clerk Ministers, and Mr. James Waddell, elder. Moderator stated the reason, in circular, why he had called the meeting, which was approved of. Mr. Wad The as stated dell intimated that the Edict in reference to Birdhope Craig had been duly served. Mr. Benvie stated on behalf of Mr. Fergus and himself, that after public worship on Sabbath, 26th ult., in accordance with the appointment of the Presbytery, they presided at the election of a minister at Birdhope Craig, and thereafter moderated in a call in favour of Mr. James Brown, preacher of the Gospel. The call, numerously signed by elders, deacons, and members of the congregation, was laid on the table, which the Presbytery agreed to sustain. Mr. Brown being present, produced an extract of his licence; the Moderator having put the call into his hands, Mr. Brown declared his acceptance thereof, and cordially closed with the same. Whereupon the Presbytery agreed to prescribe the following pieces of trial: Exegesis: "An Christus non in terra sed demum in cœlo sacerdos factus sit." Exercise and addition, Matthew ix. 14-17. Lecture, A pro re nata meeting of this Presbytery was held at Framlington, on the 15th of 23rd Psalm. Homily, Matthew v. 3. May, 1861, in virtue of a circular issued by Popular Sermon, Romans viii. 1. Eccleauthority of the Moderator. Sederunt the siastical History, 16th Century, for viva Moderator, Mr. Douglas, Messrs. Hoy, Huie, voce examination. Hebrew, First Five Fergus, Fotheringham, and the clerk Psalms. Greek Testament, ad aperturam ministers. The Rev. Mr. Dixon, being libri, with the ordinary questionary trials in present, was associated. The Moderator Theology in general. The Presbytery rehaving explained the object of the meeting, solved to receive the above trials at the his conduct in calling the same was unani- next quarterly meeting, to be held at Glanmously approved of. ton, on the 2nd Tuesday in July. The supply of the pulpit at Birdhope Craig to devolve on Mr. Brown ad interim. Closed with prayer. In regard to Birdhope Craig, Mr. Blythe, as Moderator of the Session, then stated that he was appointed by the Congregation to apply to the Presbytery to take the necessary steps for a call being moderated in, to supply the vacancy there. The Presbytery agreed to grant said application, and appoint Messrs. Fergus and Benvie to PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Presbytery met at 29, Queen Square, on Tuesday, June 11th, at 3 p. m. The members present were-Mr. Wright (Southampton), Moderator pro tem. Drs. value they attached to all his labours Hamilton and Weir; Messrs. Thomson, amongst them, and of the sorrow with which Burns, Chalmers, Fishier, Ballantyne, Scott, they contemplated the dissolution of the Walker, Fraser, Saphir, Alexander, M'Mil- pastoral tie that bound them to him. He lan, Keedy, Davison, ministers; and Messrs. also intimated that, notwithstanding this, Gillespie, Bruce, Robb, Bright, Ferguson, they had resolved to offer no opposition to Ritchie, elders. the acceptance of his resignation, because his own convictions of duty in the matter were clear, and they believed that in striving to awaken throughout the Nonconformist churches a deeper interest in the conversion of Israel, he would find an ample field of labour, for which he was highly qualified, and to which his sympathies had been long drawn. On the motion of Dr. Hamilton, the Rev. Dr. David Brown, Professor of Theology, Free Church College, Aberdeen, was associated. Mr. Keedy reported that he had presided at the moderating-in of a call at Millwall since last meeting. He laid the call on the table. The call bore upwards of 100 signatures, and was in favour of the Rev. Mr. Edmonds, minister at Crookham. It was sustained by the Presbytery, and the ordinary steps were taken for prosecuting it before the Presbytery of Northumberland. Mr. Ballantyne moved that the trials of Mr. Samuel Dickenson, candidate for licence to preach, be transferred to the Presbytery of Lancashire, and that a Committee on the summer studies of Theological Students be appointed. These motions were agreed to. A memorial from persons at Tiverton, craving supply of preaching from the Presbytery, was read; and, after reasoning, a Committee was appointed to confer with the memorialists, to inquire into all the circumstances, and to report. Dr. Weir asked leave of the Presbytery to resign his charge of the Congregation at River Terrace, in consequence of having accepted an appointment in connection with the British Society for the Conversion of the Jews. He addressed the Presbytery at length, stating the reasons which had led him to conclude that it was his duty to enter on the sphere of labour to which that Society had invited him. Mr. Thomson, Dr. Hamilton, and Mr. Alexander, having expressed their high regard for Dr. Weir, and their deep regret at the prospect of his separation from the pastorate of River Terrace church, it was resolved to summon the Session and Congregation of River Terrace to appear for their interests in the matter, at a meeting to be held on the 17th inst. The Presbytery of London met in River Terrace school-room, on the 17th June, at half-past seven o'clock. The members in attendance were-Dr. Hamilton (Moderator, pro tem.), Dr. Weir; Messrs. Chalmers, Davison, Fisher, Keedy, Alexander, and Ballantyne, ministers; Messrs. Gillespie and Watson, elders. The edict relative to Dr. Weir's resignation was returned duly served. Mr Cotes, elder, appeared on behalf of the Session and Congregation. He spoke in warm terms of the affection in which Dr. Weir was held by his people, of the It was then moved by Mr. Chalmers, seconded by Mr. Alexander, and agreed, to accept the resignation, to dissolve the pas toral tie, and to declare the pulpit vacant on the 30th June. These proceedings were carried on in the presence of a large number of the members and friends of River Terrace Congregation, who manifested throughout the deepest interest, and earnestly responded to what fell from the members of Presbytery with reference to Dr. Weir, and his ministry of fourteen years duration in London. PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK. THIS Presbytery met at the Bankhill Church, Berwick-on-Tweed, on the 7th day of May. Present-Messrs. Munro, Fraser, Cant, Thomson, Valence, and Haig, ministers; Messrs. Tennant and Clark, elders for whom commissions from Tweedmouth and Aucroft Moor respectively were given in, read, and sustained. An elder's commission from Lowick, in favour of Mr. Andrew Lilly, was also given in, read, and sustained. Mr. Thomson was chosen Moderator for the next twelve months. The minutes of former meeting were read and sustained. Mr. Clark laid on the table plans, Nos. 1 and 2, of the manse about to be erected at Ancroft Moor, and stated that difficulty had occurred which prevented the building being immediately proceeded with, and which bore that the trustees were not agreed as to the plan which should be adopted, and as to the propriety of borrowing the sum of £100. After deliberation it was unanimously agreed-Approve of the plan No. 2, and appoint a committee consisting of Messrs. Fraser, Cant, Valence, and Thomson, to confer with the building committee and trustees of Ancroft Moor Church, Mr. Fraser convener. Mr. Munro stated that he had secured the services of a certificated teacher for the school at North Sunderland, and that he, along with the managers of the school, had made application to the Committee of Council on Education for Government aid, and that they had received a favourable reply. Mr. Robert G. Welsh, teacher elect of North Sunderland, then appeared, and was examined by the Presbytery and his appointment sustained. Mr. Valence recommended that the Presbytery should take into consideration the desirableness of having a debt extinction and building fund, in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Presbyteries. Several members having expressed their opinion, it was agreed-That the consideration of this subject be resumed at a future meeting. Messrs. Cant and Thomson were appointed Commissioners of Synod. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Berwick-on-Tweed, on the first Tuesday of August, at twelve o'clock noon. Intelligence. RIVER TERRACE CHURCH, LONDON.-It will be seen from the Report of the Presbytery of London, in another part of our columns, that the Presbytery met in River Terrace church, on the evening of Monday, the 17th of June, to receive Dr. Weir's resignation of his charge, he having accepted an invitation from the British Society for the Promotion of the Gospel among the Jews, partly to engage in deputation work, and partly to give theological and spiritual instruction to Jewish inquirers and converts. After the Presbytery's proceedings were closed, a Congregational meeting was held, atwhich Alexander Gillespie, Esq., presided. Mr. Paton, one of the deacons of the church, rose, and said that he had a very pleasing duty to perform, though a rather difficult one-that was to express the feelings of the whole congregation towards Dr. Weir. It was suggested that that would be a fitting opportunity of presenting to him some testimonial of their esteem. It had been done very hurriedly, and he must say that he was astonished at the large amount collected in so short a time. Many who would have rejoiced to add to this tribute of affection were necessarily overlooked, simply because there was not an opportunity within the few days previous to that meeting, to call upon them. The speaker then presented to Dr. Weir a purse, containing sixty guineas, and a handsome gold watch and chain. Dr. Weir, on rising to acknowledge the gift, was met with repeated acclamations. He said that it would be impossible for him to expres the feelings and sentiments of his heart so fully as he could desire. He thanked them for the handsome gift, which was doubly precious by reason of the feel ings which had prompted the action, without which, indeed, to him it would be valueless. It was, indeed, a golden gift, and he would continue, as he ever had done, to pray for them, that at the last great day they might have placed upon their brows crowns of glory, which they should cast at the Saviour's feet. The watch would remind him of passing time. He had been now twenty-seven years an ordained minister; and in the three successive pastorates which he had held, the blessing of God had followed him, and although he might sometimes have erred, yet he believed that the great aim of his life had been the glory of God, and the comforting and feeding of Christ's flock. He could not forget in leaving them that he should leave behind him many to whom he had been made instrumental in the conversion of their souls, and who would be his crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. Mr. Hill, superintendent of the Sabbathschool, then, in the name of the teachers and children, presented to Dr. Weir a mas sive silver inkstand, and a gold pencil-case. He assured the Doctor that this arose spontaneously in the minds of the children, none of whom were asked to contribute. Dr. Weir, in acknowledging this gift, made special reference to the remarkable work of awakening among the young people of the Bible classes and schools, about seventy conversions being believed to have taken place within the last two years, and the greater number since the beginning of 1861. He made a touching appeal to those young people who had strong affection for himself, but who might not, after all, love his Lord and Master. Dr. Davis, of the Tract Society, bore special testimony to Dr. Weir,-first, in reference to his ten years' connection with the Committee of the Religious Tract Society; and, secondly, as to his catholic spirit, as repeatedly indicated to him (Dr. Weir) by the clergy of Islington, and others. The meeting was afterwards closed with singing and the benediction. On Sabbath evening, June 23rd, Dr. Weir preached his farewell sermon, at the conclusion of which he publicly administered the rite of baptism to two recent converts from Judaism to Christ, a husband and wife, and also to their infant child, in the presence of an overflowing congregation. PRESENTATION.-On Wednesday evening, the 5th of June, at the close of the prayer-meeting, the ladies of the English Presbyterian Church at Blyth presented to the Rev. John Reid, M.A., a beautiful pulpit-gown, as a token of their affection and respect for him as their pastor, and appreciation of his ministerial labours amongst them. The presentation was made by Mr. John Hedley, who referred to the continued prosperity of the congregation since Mr. Reed's settlement amongst them, and the growing importance of the Church under his care. Mr. Reed expressed his gratitude to God for the success attending his labours, to the congregation for their kindness and co-operation, and particularly to the ladies for their splendid gift. A public meeting was held in the church in the evening, at which the Rev. Dr. Elton presided. After an interesting address from Mr. Wright, of Southampton, the Rev. Mr. Salmon, in the name of the ladies of the congregation, presented Mr. Thom with a pulpit-gown and cassock. Mr. Thom having expressed thanks for the gift, was followed by the Rev. W. Chalmers, Dr. Hamilton, Rev. J. Wood, Rev. Mr. Short, and Dr. Lorimer, who delivered interesting addresses on a variety of subjects. We trust Mr. Thom may be long spared to realize the best wishes of his numerous and attached friends. ORDINATION AT EXETER.Christ Church, in Southernhay, Exeter, was built some years ago, for the use of the Free Church of England; and continued in the occupation of that body, under two successive ministers, until about eighteen months ago. At that time the trustees of the building declined to re-lease it to the then minister, INDUCTION AT STAFFORD.-The congrethe Rev. A Mitchell, and that gentleman gation at Stafford having given an unaniremoved to Grosvenor Chapel, St. Sidwell's, mous call to the Rev. P. A. Crole, late with the majority of his congregation, minister at Brampton, Cumberland, the remaining there up to the close of last year, Presbytery of Birmingham met at Stafford, when he removed to the metropolis, and was on the 22nd ult., for the purpose of insucceeded by the Rev. Mr. Short. When ducting him to the pastorate of that church. Mr. Mitchell and his friends made this At half-past two o'clock the Rev. Robert change, a number of the congregation re- Steel, of Cheltenham, preached to a large mained at Christ Church; and the services and respectable congregation, and afterwere conducted by various ministers for wards put the usual questions, contained in some months. A short time since, how-the formula of our Church, which were ever, the church was offered to the Pres-satisfactorily answered by the minister bytery of London, and accepted by them; elect. The Rev. Thomas Macpherson, after which, the Presbyterian element of Birmingham, gave an exposition of Pressuperseded the Episcopal. Several minis- byterianism; and was followed by the Rev. ters connected with the body visited the Dr. McKenzie, of Birmingham, who adcity at intervals, and gradually a congre-dressed the minister and people on their gation began to assemble. In January respective duties. At five o'clock, a large last, the Rev. R. R. Thom, a student of party sat down to tea, in the adjoining the London Presbyterian College, but schoolroom, generously provided by the more recently residing in Edinburgh, was invited to preach; and so successful were his first efforts, that a continuation of his labour was requested. This was acceded to; and the result was that the congre-ters and elders. Martin Lonie, Esq., from gation noted to the Presbytery their desire that Mr. Thom should become their pastor. The Rev. J. G. Wright, the Moderator of the Presbytery, was deputed to make the requisite examination of the circumstances under which the call was given, and that gentleman's investigation proving satisfactory, the Presbytery took the necessary steps for Mr. Thom's ordination. An objection to the organ in Christ Church, raised by the Presbytery, in conformity with the rule of their body, has been considered by the congregation, and the organ will ultimately be removed.-Exeter Paper. ladies of the congregation; and at halfpast six, a public meeting was held in the church, when addresses were delivered by the several members of Presbytery-minis Sunderland, being present, gave an address which was much appreciated by the audience, and was followed by three gentlemen, connected with the congregation, viz., Mr. William Buckland, Archibald Laing, Esq., and Bateman Perkins Wright, Esq. The proceedings of the evening were enlivened by several anthems. This harmonious settlement augurs well for the future prosperity of one of the oldest congregations connected with the Presbyterian Church in England, and we heartily wish Mr. Crole God-speed in his new field of labour. SCOTCH CHURCH, NORTH BRIDge St., The ordination services took place on SUNDERLAND.-Anniversary sermons in 28th of May. Dr. Lorimer presided. Dr. commemoration of the ordination of the Rev. Hamilton preached from John xiv. 1, John Black over this church, were preached "Let not your heart be troubled," &c. Mr. Wright put the questions, and offered the ordination-prayer; and Mr. Chalmers addressed the minister and congregation. on Sabbath, the 16th of June, in the morning by the Rev. William Dinwiddie, LL.B., of South Shields, and in the afternoon and evening by the Rev. James Blythe, A.M., o |