A YEAR'S REAL PROGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 57, 8 March 1923, Page 3

A YEAR'S REAL PROGRESS.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. EFFECT OF XOX-UXIOX\ "The year has been unique in our history," states the fortieth annual report of the Congregational Union, read before the council at this morning's session. Xew Zealand had passed through a seaeon of extreme financial depression, which naturally reacted upon the Church. This, coupled with the war heritage of a growing spirit of materialism, had intensified the problem confronting every earnest believer. For several years the denominational activities had been somewhat curtailed because of a belief in a pending union with the Presbyterian Church. By a vote of the council in March last this union had been deferred. "Our decision in the matter, while clearing the ground for a forward move, has had the regrettable effect of partiaily alienating several of our southern churches, which, during this year have withdrawn from active participation in the larger affairs of the denomination. In of these grave problems we have a record of a year of real progress, and our outlook is one of faith and optimism. There is still plenty of vitality in Congregationalism in Xew Zealand. We have made our decision, and we must justify ourselves by our unbounded faith in the future of a church militant, a church of vision and spiritual efficiency." The report mentioned that during the year the ministerial ranks toad been strengthened by the arrival of four new minister*, one for Auckland and three for Wellington. The formation of Congregational men's league in Auckland was appreciatively recorded. Reference was made to the fact that the manse at Greenlane had been sold and a more suitable residence purchased in its stead. Mount Roskill had secured a new cite, where it was hoped that under more favourable conditions the work would he carried on with increased zeal. Kfforts were being made to secure a manse for Raplan Church. The report was received