MODERATOR’S TOUR

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30234, 12 September 1963, Page 15

MODERATOR’S TOUR

Found Loyalty, Devotion

During a five-month tour of the presbyteries of Central Otago, Ashburton. Auckland. Waikato, Gisborne and Southland he had been “just astounded at the loyalty and devotion up and down the country.” the Moderator of the General Assembly (the Rt. Rev. M W. Wilson) told the Christchurch Presbytery at its monthly meeting.

Mr Wilson said that his strong conviction was that ministers decried the church much too often. He was more convinced than ever “of the importance of the local congregation.” He said that the cutting edge of the church was in the parish, because it was there that the church has contact with society. Mr Wilson said he was pleased presbyteries had often sent him to visit small congregations. In such small places there was always a good attendance. The visit to Stewart Island was the first visit by a moderator for 25 years, and the social after the service was attended not only by the Presbyterian community, but also by members of several other Christian denominations.

He had been greatly impressed by the quality of the ministers, and their enthusiasm and concern for pastoral work. ’

Mr Wilson also said that he had the general impression that there was a growing feeling for a need of unity among Presbyterians. He said ministers must make an effort to maintain fellowship in the Presbyterian community.