CANDIDATES FOR THE CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 11

CANDIDATES FOR THE CHURCH

AN. IMPROVED OUTLOQK Dominion Special Service. Auckland, November 23. “We are able to state that the tide has turned in regard to the supply of men for the ministry,” stated the Rev. E. J. Tipler, of Dunedin, when presenting to the Presbyterian General Assembly the report of the Theological College Committee. “We have 66 students on our roll who have been certified by Presbyteries, and that does not by any means cover all the men with whom I am in close touch at different stages in their work for the ministry. Particularly does this apply to pre-matriculation students. The church Is in a happy position in this respect.” The Rev. J. A. Thomson (Remuera) seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, and congratulated the church on the improved outlook for the supply of men for the ministry. In Auckland men were offering freely, and this year there had been ten taking their arts course at the Auckland University College. The report was adopted. The Rev. R. G. McDowall, of Dunedin, was appointed examiner in Greek.

Minutes, appreciative of the long and valuable services rendered to the Theological Hall by Professors Hewltson and Cumming, who are now retiring, were adopted.- In acknowledging the tribute, Professor Hewitson said he had long held that the work of training men for the ministry was the most important in the church. Referring to the fact that his extensive inquiries made in universities abroad had not been recognised on his return here, he said the present organisation was unsatisfactory and required to be dealt with from top to bottom. It was decided to establish a new office of principal of Theological Hall, with five years’ tenure of office, and an allowance for travelling expenses.