THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2755, 26 April 1916, Page 8

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

ANNUAL DOMINION CONFERENCE.

The triennial confcrence of the Cliureh of Christ was opened yesterday morning, Mr. W. Phillips presiding over a devotional service:- At 9.30, Mr. Fleming Macdouald took tho chair, "Jnd a warm welcome was extended to the delegates • ky Mr. Duncan Campbell. Greetings, from District Conference mid also from the Australian churches | were received and read by Mr. 11. Langford, conference secretary. The following churches were represented:—Auckland: Ponsonby Koad, G. Mdyle, E. Vickery; Dominion Road, I?. J. Dick, F. Evans, C. P. M'Donald, W. Potter, N. Albertland, T. Powell; Richmond Hill, A. Edwards, W. Donald. Christ-' church :■ It. Gebbio, H. Langford, W. J. Mason. Nelson: I'. V. Knapp, F. J. Phillips. Spring Giove: P. Boddington, J. W. Lane., Wakefield: J. Griffith. Dunedin: Tabernacle, J. Brown, S. G. Griffith, 0. Sundstruini. South Dunedin: W. N. Palmer. Kaitangata: N. Ct. Noble. Gore: M. Bell, W. G. Ladbrook. Mataura: B. Jarvis. AVellington: Vivian Street, R. Hall, J. Hunter, A. V. Williams, F. Laureuson. South Wellington: II!. It. Callam, D- Campbell, W. Phillips, M. Vickery. Petone: Mrs. T. Ashby, H. Grir.stead. Lower Hutt: D. Cairns, .H. Owen. Kilbirnie: H. Coombe, Mrs;' Atkinson. Palmerstou North: P. Bolton. Palliatua: J. Hay. Levin: '£. Da.vson. Waiigaimi: Mrs. Husscy, G. Puraell. Tho message from the chair was one of considerable interest, as it dealt with the work of the church in the peculiar and distressing circumstances' through which wo are passing. The roport and balance-sheet of ilie Church Intension Board were presented by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hunter, and adopted. A resolution was passed recommending the churches to give at least one per cent, of their anr.iial receipts. It was also resolved that' the board be incorporated. - The folic ving are the executive for' tho'coriiing year Messrs. Hunter, Williams, D. Campbell, G. Day, M. Vickery, •P. Evans, E. Vickery. ' Resolutions Adopted. The conlerenca reassembled at 2 o'clock, Mr. Ralph Getibie presiding over a very large attendance. The following resolutions were adopted:— "(1) That this conference assembled place on record its strong opposition to the. drink traffic "as being one of tho greatest agencies for ' evil and the degradation of the human family, and' urges its members to co-operate with umiinching determination in tho movements for its abolition'." (jj) "That this conference unite with other religiousbodies in the formation ol a protestant association, for the safeguarding of our liberties, and the promulgation of protestant principles, and thai the middle district executive nominate four representatives." (3) "That this conference views with horror the awful ravages of the present war, and urges all members, with one accord, to daily present their supplications to Almighty God, praying that He' will give wisdom and power to the rulers and leaders of the Allied Nations, and imploring that the time will soon come'when righteousness will I triumph,- and peace with honour be once moro restored, and further that we place on record our deepest sympathy, with those who are suffering mentally and physically by reason of the war." ' Mr. H. Giiimstea'd read a paper on "The Work of tho Church, and tho Training, of Membership.", Mr/ W. Phillips contributed an able address on "Militant Evangelism." ! EVENING SESSION. . The evening session was opened by devotion, led by Mr. M. Bell. Mr. J. L. Scott, of Auckland, delivered an address on "Bible School Essentials." A resolution was passed that a Do- , minion executive of Bible schools should be set up, and the following were elected:—President, Mr. P. B. Knapp; committee, Messrs. P. Boddmgton, H. Amos, P. A. Dixon, and P. J. Phillips. It was decided to engage a Bible schools organiser. The conference will continue its delib- . eratious this morning.