BAPTIST UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 130, 5 June 1933, Page 3

BAPTIST UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The 41st annual meeting of the Baptist Union of New Zealand - was held on Saturday. The attendance was over 200. In his presidential address the Rev. R. Stowards said the Church was definitely essential. One reason for some Churches being devitalised was the lack of prayer and real Bible study. The family altar had been neglected in the homes and family worship in church.

Tho Rev. J. Hiddlcstone, secretary, j-eportcu that in spite of tile difficult times, tho auxiliary was able to record progress. Tho financial statement showed a credit balance.

Tho report of the Social Service Association stated that the distribution of food and clothing had been continued. Tlie Manurewa, Home report stated that nearly £00 was raised by the sale of used stamps sent in by * the churches and friends. The Young Men's Bible ( lass Union had continued to provide supper at the Down-and-Out Mission. The membership—o£ the union had increased bv .45 to 30!) and four more classes had been affiliated.

A resolution was carried renewing tlie organisation's protest against the action of the Government in permitting art unions to the detriment of trade and to the moral fibre of the people. Other resolutions expressed sympathy with fellow believers in Russia*in the disabilities they were suffering, the hope being expressed that they would yet enjoy the possession of religious liberties. Regret was expressed also that the Nazi Government in Germany had seen fit to inflict severe penalties on the Jews.

The following officers were elected: — President, Mr. XV. A. Craig; vice-presi-dent, the Rev. J. Laird; secretary, the Rev. J. Iliddlestonc; treasurer, Mr. XV. Pigelow; minute secretary, Mr. AV. H. Newton; executive, Messrs. S. Barry, K. W. Gaze, W. A. Kendon, A. IX Mead, A. G. Jones, P. S. Abel, J. A. Penman, H. Turner, .T. H. Barker, F. Fade, A. B. Wilson, C. K. Mills, F. Thorpe, H. Dearsley, A. K. Murray, H. S. Reynolds, H. C. Kitchen. A. R. Penman, T. E. Whitton and A. T. Dow.

I The auxiliary commended to all mini inters, Churches and people the request of the King that 011 Sunday, Tune 11, special prayers should be offered for the guidance of the delegates of the World | Economic Conference. . I Addressee were si von by the Bev. C. I Tinsley and the Bev. B. N. Eadc. A resolution was carried expressing nnpre- ! c*iation of the gervices of Mr. F. X. (Andrews, who. after 40 years' service ' for the auxiliary, had retired from active work.