FINAL MEETING OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28422, 31 October 1957, Page 11

FINAL MEETING OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The final meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in Christchurch yesterday approved of a suggestion that the Moderator should be freed of his regular church work for six months of the year.

Four months will be spent in visiting presbyteries throughout New Zealand and two months in representing the Church on a national basis at official functions such as the laying of foundation stones and centennial celebrations. Some of this time may also be spent in visits to sister churches in Australia. The suggestion was referred to the Moderator’s arrangement committee in consultation with the recently-formed special committee on administration and publicity to make arrangements. People’s Night

The changing of peoples’ night during the assembly to a Sunday evening service and meeting was discussed by the assembly. Several speakers described the present arrangement as an additional burden on assembly members and said that poor attendances could be because of fatigue from the daily meetings. The Rev. D. W. Storkey said that elimination of peoples’ night might lead persons to attend sessions of the assembly and see for themselves the workings of the Church.

At present, he said, some persons regarded the assembly as private and not open to ordinary members of the church. However, a transfer of the service to a Sunday might be an improvement and could possibly be preceded by a march of witness. “Such a procession would be a show of strength, and if other churches do this, then why not us?” said Mr Storkey. Status Raised The assembly approved the raising of three home missionaries to full ministerial status and the home ministry committee was instructed to investigate the selection, training and status of home missionaries and report to the next assembly. Home missionaries are employed in areas where there is no minister or where there is large-scale tempora-y employment. The three new ministers are the Rev. M. C. Kaarup, the Rev. S. S. Robertson, and the Rev. J. M. Lochhead. In the adoption of the election

of the standing and special committees. three conveners who had served for more than seven years were congratulated and their election endorsed.

The special permission of the assembly was needed for an extension of service beyond seven years and the three men had proved so invaluable, the sessional committee on standing committees had asked that they be permitted to serve again, said the Moderator (the Rt. Rev. R. G. McDowall). The three conveners are: the Rev. G. E. Dallard, seven years press service; the Rev. S. W. Webber. nine years bills and business; and the Rev. J. S. Somerville. 10 years public questions.

The next General Assembly will be held on November 4, 1958, at Hamilton.