Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/94

CHAPTER XI.

Degree of D.D. conferred on the Rev. Mr Stuart—Deacons to hold office for three years—Hymn Book introduced into the Service of Praise—Mr Adam Johnstone—Rev. Dr Paton of New Hebrides visits Dunedin—Messrs Chishohn and Scoullar begin Sabbath Services at Whare Flat in 1874—Ravensbourne Church opened by Drs Stuart and Copland in 1876—Services held there under auspices of Knox Church—The New Church: Preliminary Steps—Site acquired—Contracts let—Completion of the work—Description of the Building.

AT a congregational meeting held on May 4, 1872, it was unanimously resolved, "That the congregation heartily congratulate their esteemed pastor on the honour done him by the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, his own alma mater, in conferring upon him the honorary degree of D.D., and they fervently trust that he may be long spared to enjoy the honourable title of Dr Stuart of Knox Church."

In the same year (1872) a change in the tenure of the office of deacon was made by the Session with the concurrence of the Deacons' Court, in consequence of a resolution passed by a meeting of the congregation after considerable discussion. The appointment to the deaconship was formerly understood to be a permanent one, terminable only by resignation, deposition, or death; but it was now decided that the oftice should be held for three years only, one-third of the members retiring annually; these, however, being eligible for re-election.

In 1873 the Session resolved to bring under the notice of the congregation the resolution of the Synod of Otago and Southland sanctioning the use of the English Presbyterian Hymn Book in the public services of the church. At a congregational meeting held on Avigust 14, 1873, it was resolved that the question of making use of the hymn-book be decided by the votes of the members and adherents of the congregation. The result was that 206 members and 53 adherents voted for, while 71 members and 19 adherents voted against, the introduction of the book. The Session accordingly resolved that