CHURCHES OF CHRIST

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 92, 19 April 1930, Page 5

CHURCHES OF CHRIST

CONFERENCE REPORT The tenth annual conference of the Churches of Christ was formally opened in the Vivian Street Chapel at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday. Councillor T. Forsyth, on behalf of the Mayor and councillors o fthe Wellington City Corporation, extended a hearty welcome to the city. The Rec. D. Jones, M.A., president of the Wellington Ministers' Association, and the Rev. V. E. Hari's', also of that association, spoke ■words of welcome, referring especially to the good work done by Mr. W. G. Carpenter during his term of office as president of the association. The Rev.' David Calder, U.A., gave a short interesting address in the'interests of the British and' Foreign Bible Society. The conference president is Principal A. L. Haddon, M.A., of the Bible College, .Dunedin. The theme of his inspiring address was "Evangelisation and Education." He stressed ■ that the task of j evangelisation of the world was novv more difficult and called for the consecrated efforts of God's people. The address was listened to by a splendid and appreciative audience. The Friday morning session was opened by a short devotional session. There was a good attendance of delegates from both Islands. • . • Early in the proceedings the conference listened to a stirring message by Mr. G. Fretwell, the preacher from Invercargill. He dealtin a forceful way, aided by ready quotations, with the needs of the college and its great part in the grand work of revelation and reconciliation. He emphasised the churches' obligations in this regard as a brotherhood. The Bible College report was introduced by Mr. E. P. Aderman. The report showed progress and harmony among the students. The finance report showed some generous giving, and generally college matters are in a very satisfactory condition. The report was seconded by Mr. W. Wilson, North East Valley. It was generally agreed that the Bible College is an institution of which the Churches of Christ might well be proud. The Foreign Mission report was introduced by Mr. J. I. Wright (Dunedin), president of the Foreign Mission Council. He read a greeting from Mrs. Mausill, one of the missionaries in Southern Rhodesia. Our obligations to the heathen, said the speaker, have been somewhat veneered by recent publications. The corruption of heathenism remains a challenge to those at home. Not only are the fields ..white •unto harvest, but the grain is rotting for want of reapers. The supply of reapers is totally inadequate. There is no adequate fulfilment of the commission of Christ. A converted heathen said: "Have you ever stood in the darkness?" We know nothing of heathen environment in our own experience. Are we feeling and fulfilling our obligation to those fettered by heathenism? He pleaded for a freer use and development of our latent powers. The call to war developed the latent powers of the Empire. , There is the same need of development in the Christian Church to-day. Our undeveloped potentiality is prayer with the individual and the churches. He pleaded for an individual shouldering of the financial responsibility and a closer co-operation on the part of the preachers in foreign; mission interests. > The Foreign Mission report showed 1700 converts in the Dadaya and Bulawayo districts in the last 25 years, due largely to the efforts of the Church of Christ missionaries. This last' year of service has been a record for results in the field. It is also worthy of note that this year three new missionaries are in advance. The 1 afternoon session opened with prayer at 1.4Q p.m. The report for the church paper was introduced by Mr. E. Vickery and seconded by Mr. AY. Taylor. Eulogistic reference was made to the untiring energy of the editor, Mr. F. W. Greenwood, who unfortunately was unable to be present through illness. During the afternoon a challenging address was delivered by. Mr. J. Sivyer, 8.A., to foster the cause of home missions and in which he urged a properly balanced programme and a greater strengthening of the home base. He mentioned the bright prospects for the future. The Home Mission report was introduced by the Executive Chairman, Mr. H. R. Calham, and seconded by Mr. M. Vickery. The report showed steady work and definite planning for the new year. These plans include the engagements of Mr. Carter, who will commence holding evangelistic missions almost immediately/ and Mr. E. C. Hinrichseu, who will further this work in 1931. The balance-sheet showed a small credit balance. It was decided that. the previous executive be re-elected, and the Advisory Boards are to be located at Wellington and Dunedin. It was decided to hold the next conference at Nelson. The evening session was an inspiring gathering, the Chapel building being packed. Prominent in the audience were over one hundred young people who are attending thej Bible Class camp. Preachers in Home Mission Churches delivered a series of addresses on the theme—"Evangelism—the Keynote of Pentecost."