BAPTIST UNION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 15, 28 October 1938, Page 3

BAPTIST UNION

A RECORD ASSEMBLY. REPORT OF GOOD PROGRESS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 27. A record delegation of 215 is attending the annual assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand. The following six new elm relies were formally received into the Union: Te Awamuth, Auckland; Miramar, Wellington; Lyttelton Street, Christchurch; Sunshine and Green Island Churches, Dunedin; Georgetown, Southland. Membership figures show an increase of 256, or 3 per cent. Baptisms for the year totalled 434, an increase upon last year.

Reports stated enthusiasm had been shown for the work of the Church Extension Committee, which lias encouraged four new churches by substantial assistance. Sunday School figures had increased and Bible-classes had increased substantially in numbers and in contributions.

Fina Pees were very healthy, all funds except one showing a surplus. The record April self-denial offering of £3716 eclipsed last year’s record by £4OO, and the Baptist Union account had a. surplus of £SOO. The finance committee’s annual report showed contributions to church funds, including the following:—Auckland Tabernacle Buildings Trust, £1200; Baptist Women’s Missionary Union, £1995; Young Women’s Bible Class Union, £826 4s 4d; Young Men’s Bible Class Movement. £394 ' 2s' 7d ; self-denial appeal, £3716 Is 10d.- The report stated that during the year £3350 had been invested in government and local body debentures, and £IOO on mortgage. Total cash receipts for all branches of work for the year amounted to £17,395 12s 4d. On the recommendation of the principal of the Baptist College, the Rev. J. J. North, D.D., ministerial recognition was accorded by the union to the following ministers who have passed their probationary period The Rev. D. G. -McKee, Petone: the Rev. J. Ayson Clifford, lvarori ; the Rev. E. P. Y. Simpson, Mosgiel. Baptist missionary zeal was shown in an increased total of £7801) given to the work of the Indian Mission, which work, in spite of a yearly £I2OO exchange loss, had been considerably expanded during the year. A £750 motor-boat given by the Young Men’s Bible Classes was being constructed for use in India.

To the annual meeting of the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union, presided over by Mrs J. W. Kemp, an increased membership to just over 2000 and a record financial effort of £2200 were reported. Officers elected were .—President," Mrs E, N. Goring; vice-president, Mrs E. Nieholls; secretary, Miss H. Rice; treasurer. Miss Wilkinson; rope-hold-er superintendent, Miss Beekingsalc.