BAPTIST UNION

Evening Post, Issue 87, 9 October 1936, Page 4

BAPTIST UNION

ASSEMBLY REPORTS

INCREASED MEMBERSHIP

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, October 8.

The union sermon was delivered by the Rev. C. B. Boggis, of Hastings, at the sitting of the 541h annual assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand and the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society today.

In the annual report the secretary, the Rev. M. W-' P- Lascelles, said the most, notable event of the year had been the opening o| a new church at Greymouth. There had been marked progress in the erection of new buildings and. extensions to existing ones in all parts of the country. The total membership of the churches comprised in the union was 9023, an. increase of 165 in the year.. Self-denial and thanksgiving offerings had amounted to £2142, of which the union had received £714, the remainder being donated to the missionary society. The sum of £1503 had. been contributed to the new pause.at Greymouth,.where the membership had reached 33. Many important pastorates were now held by Baptist College trainees. "Great changes are passing over the modern world, which is looking for a hew order of society," the document concluded. "The Dominion is venturing upon new paths..- ,New problems are confronting Christ's Church, but in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God we have, a programme and resoures vast enough for our utmost needs." /

Congratulations were extended to the Rev. C. B. Busfield on the continued success of the fire insurance, fund, which was showing a good profit. Mr. Busfield inaugurated the scheme seven years ago. : According to the, financial statement the total amount of cash passing through the > union office during : the year was £20,396. The statement for the union showed a deficit of £487, while that of ithe missionary society showed a,deficit of £868.'

Prolonged discussion followed a finr ance committee remit 'that only two major appeals be made throughout the year, instead of three as at present; This was adopted; it being agreed that the question of allocation,be.deferred to the union, council.