Disappointing Results Of Baptist Appeal

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31702, 11 June 1968, Page 12

Disappointing Results Of Baptist Appeal

The “dollars for development” appeal, previously “pounds for progress,” of the Canterbury and Westland Bap-

tist Association was disappointing because only $1364 was received toward an objective of $4OOO in the last year, said the annual report of the association presented at Ashburton.

As 25 per cent of these proceeds went to the book centre, there was only $978 left for land purchases. However, with accumulated funds and loans, $9213 was spent on land. The new work committee reported that Avonhead had reached full church status in the last year, Halswell was developing, meetings were being held in the Greenhaven area, near Burwood Hospital, with a view to establishing a church, and pronerty had been bought at Highfleld (Timaru). This committee was also studying social work possibilities in Christchurch. The treasurer (Mr D. W. Holland) said CanterburyWestland was the only provincial area of the Baptist Union of New Zealand where giving to association funds had declined. In 1959-60 $1262 was given and in the last year contributions were $1416. The average a member had dropped from $1.56 to $1.31.

Mr Holland said the chief purpose of association funds, as distinct from other funds, was land purchase. Unless giving improved, land for new churches could not be bought, A target of $4OOO was again set for the annual appeal.