In any proceedings for the rebuilding of a church or manse the sheriff shall, unless the matter has been decided by the presbytery by a judgment or finding final under the third section hereof, primo loco, consider whether, in accordance with the law as at present existing, a new edifice should be erected, or whether the existing buildings should be repaired, and for that purpose he may take such evidence and make such remits to architects or other professional persons as he shall think right, and he shall pronounce a finding accordingly: Provided always, that, if the sheriff see cause, he may dismiss the petition.