IN CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 70, 23 March 1940, Page 11

IN CONFERENCE.

CHURCHES OF CHRIST,

AUCKLAND GATHERING

NEEDS IN A NEW CENTURY. The twentieth annual conference ol the Asi-ociated Churches of Christ in Xcw Zealand commenced on Thursday in the Ponsonby Road chapel. Proceedings were opened by the president, Mr. A. Donald, of Auckland, who urged delegates to show courage in all their plans and undertakings, relying on the Divine promise of a in. In addition to strictly business sessions, discussions were hold on subjects vital to the Church and its work in our cay. These were Introduced in a number of addresses on various phases of the general theme: "The Living Church and the Xcw Century." Centennial Efforts. The report, and balance-sheet of_ the Church Extension and Property Trust Hoard, presented by Mr. G. Day, revealed that the funds of the board had benefited by contributions from the special centenary effort made by the churches. It was explained that the board was now in a position to assist financially churches desiring to build or extend their present buildings. In presenting the report of the Bible College Committee, Mr. A. L. Haddon, principal of the Glen Lcith Bible College, Dunedin, said that five students received diplomas last year, and four new students entered for the current year. Glen lyeith students now comprised more than 50 per cent of the preaching forces of the Church in the Dominion. Others were in Australia, South Africa and America. At yesterday's session applications for. affiliation with the conference were received from new churches at Napier and Mastelton. A warm welcome was extended to Dr. and Mrs. G. H. Oldfield, Australian missionaries in India, and to Mr. 11. Greenwood, of Queensland. Conspicuous success was attending the work of Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Todd, stated the report on the overseas mission in Southern Rhodesia. Difficulty had been experienced in transmitting sufficient funds overseas, although the Reserve Bank had reasonably met the applications lodged. Almost £350 was expended , in exchange. The annual report of the general executive and home missionary committee stated that Mr. L. R. Usmar had been appointed as general secretary of the Church in New Zealand. The Bible College in Dunedin was doing magnificent work among the smaller churches in the south. Psalmist's Spirit Awakened. An address was given by Mr. Haddon on "The Living Church—the Old Century and tho New/' He said that the past 100 years had been a. wonderful perild, and even a partial review awakened the spirit of the Psalmist—"The Lord has done great things for us and therefore we rejoice." He painted a. picture of conditions at the opening of the century, and said that Christian thought during the past century had brought to new emphasis two vitally important truths—the imminent nearness and activity of God, and a clearer conception of the person of Christ. He referred to tho pioneers of the New Zealand Churches of Christ, but pointed out thai the Church had no liberty to enslave itself to its own great past. History was great, but Christ was greater."The ever-living Lord had a present will for the living Church. It must move forward with Him in whom it abided.

Mr. G. L. Stirling, of Palmerston North, spoke on "The Living Church and the New Century—lts Expression in Love." pointing out that Christ stood at the door of the new century, calling His church to take up the Cross. It meant active love to brother, neighbour and enemy. They could not hang back, but must face up to the call.

"11l Faith" was the subject of on address by Mr. R. W.'Simpson. Faith, said the speaker, was necessary to any accomplishment, and for the Church there could only be faith in God and in Jesus Christ. " Faith would link them up definitely with God, and with His plans for the Church and the world, and through their faith God would use them in making a new century.