CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 57, 8 March 1923, Page 8

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

WELCOME SOCIAL.

THE VALUE OF UNITY.

Delegates to the annual conference of the Congregational Union «f New Zealand were welcomed to Auckland last night at a social in the Mount Eden Congregational Church, Avhen Rev. H. Johnson occupied the chair and there was a large attendance of local and vishing'clergymen and eburch members. On the platform were the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Averill), the president of the Council o0 Christian Congregations, Rev. C. J. Toe ker; the representative of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. W. Me. Donald, and the Reve. H. Ranston and A. S. Wilson, representing the Methodist and Baptist Ohurche3 respectively. Rev. J. R. Classon, of Wellington, and Rev. H. J. Huffadine, of Canterbury. Special reference wae made to the matter of Church union, Bishop Averill stressing tihe need for one big united body, on e in epirit and purpose, for the development of Christ's kingdom. He believed the day wae approaching when union would at last be consummated, and this would be a great step forward in the work of Christianising the world. Rev. J. R. Glasson said he thought the bishop would agree when he eta ted his ■ belief that union couM never come sliri- ■ ply by attending to the superficial side of the question. Those differences"which divided the denominations iters.<,not trivial things—rather they ran deep down and were implanted injhe heart of religion itself. When union came the great underlying idea should be that all were one, but there should be no cramping or etuntifying of individual effort and aspiration, each body being; given freedom to expand along its own particular lines. . . . ; Alt the visiting clergymen, made eulogistic reference to the great work of the Congregational Church and Kβ most pro. minent leaders. In past years anY) in the present day a courageous stand was taken and it was due to the resolute and fearless character of the foremost men of the Congregational Chunk that much of the liberty and freedom now enjoyed had been secured against big ' odds. "■'-.'• . Revs. J. R. Glasaon and H. J.Huffadinc Returned thanks for the kindly and brotherly expressions of Bishop Averill and other visiting clergy. Miss-Myrtle Burns and Mr. Ballance contributed enjoyable vocal numbers and refreshments were afterwards served, when visitors and local church people took the opportunity of becoming acquainted.