In November, 1859, information was received from Dr Bonar that the Rev. Donald McNaughton Stuart, minister of the Presbyterian Church, Falstone, Northumberlandshire, had been selected as minister.[1] On the 27th of January, 1860, Mr Stuart, with his wife and three children arrived at Port Chalmers on board the ship "Bosworth." They were kindly entertained as guests for three weeks in the family of Mr John Duncan, now of Corner Bush. They then removed to a house given rent-free by the late Mr J. Wilkie, which they occupied till they entered the manse on the 3rd of April, 1860. Mr Stuart lost no time in beginning to visit the people and to perform other pastoral work. About that time Dr Burns was deputed by the Presbytery to visit the southern parts of the Province, and during his absence the services in the First Church were conducted by Mr Stuart.
The new church was opened for divine service on the 6th of May, 1860. The Rev. Dr Burns preached in the forenoon from the text, Mark viii. 36 and 37, "What shall it profit," &c. The afternoon service was conducted by Mr Stuart, his text being John xi. 26 and 27, "Whosoever liveth and beheveth in me," &c. The Rev. Mr Will preached in the evening from 2 Corinthians viii. 9, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," &c. The collection at the three services amounted to £169 15s. lOd. The collection at the First Church on the same day was in aid of Knox Church building fund, and it amounted to £22 2s. 8d., the total collection for the day thus reaching the sum of £191 18s. 6d.
Mr Stuart was inducted by the Presbytery on the 16th of May, 1860. The Rev. Dr Burns presided, and preached from 2 Kings v. 14. The Presbytery appointed Mr George Hepburn and the Rev. Robert Hood, elders in the First Church, to assist in forming a temporary session for Knox Church. Shortly after his induction, the ladies of the congregation presented their mniister with a communion service, pulpit gown, &c. The first meeting of the temporary session was held
- ↑ The following tradition respecting the selection of Mr. Stuart is believed to have some foundation in fact:—At the first meeting of the Commissioners, Dr Guthrie remarked somewhat to the following effect: "Some years ago I felt much interested in a young minister whom I met while attending the induction of the Rev. Thomas Duncan into Trinity Church, Newcastle. He had a strong flavour of the Grampians, and had the advantage of some travel. I would suggest that Dr Bonar make inquiries concerning his work, and report." The suggestion was acted upon, with the result that at the next meeting it was resolved to offer the young minister (Mr Stuart) the appointment.—J. H.
