WORLD'S NEED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1941, Page 9

WORLD'S NEED

RELEASE OF SPIRITUAL

FORCES

The war was certainly an evidence of what the devil could devise and make men instrumental in enacting, the Rev. J. E. Ashley-Jones, Vicar of Northland,' declared when addressing the annual meeting of parishioners. The record of foul deeds being perpetrated impelled the urgent prayer that wars might cease, but such would never be.until the Christian spirit and influence dominated the .world. "It is puerile to ask where is God," tKr. Ashley-Jones continued. "God has f'spoken and given" us the remedy. 'Thou shalt love- the Lord thy God withallthy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.' Peace, says the prophet, is the.fruit of righteousness and charity. What the world needs today more than anything else is the release of spiritual forces, faith and prayer, conviction and sincerity, from which creative peace can be born. If God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is the undefeated World Builder; and we Icnow that' good is mightier than evil, and the powers of life, healing, , and renewal stronger than those of despair and death. It is men who believe that who can save the world." Mr. Ashley-Jones referred to the death on July 27, 1940, of Mr. Edmund Jones, who had been people's churchwarden for 29 years, and said that a fitting memorial to him would be placed in the church and unveiled and dedicated on the anniversary of his death.

The vicar said the work of the church had proceeded steadily during the year, and he warmly thanked the vestry, the Ladies' Guild, the leaders of the various organisations, and all others who had assisted in the activities of the parish. He said the treasurer, Mr. W. J. Honsa, who was resigning on account of impending military duties, was to be congratulated on another successful year, and they should miss him for his active and practical interest. Their best wishes went with him.

AH departments of the church were shown to be progressing, and the financial position satisfactory. The number of participations at Holy Communion, 1430, was an increase of 55 on the previous year.

Mr. F.. A. Cotterell was reappointed vicar's churchwarden, and Mr. E. A. K. Swiney was re-elected people's churchwarden.

Mr. E. D. Good was re-elected auditor.

The following were elected to the vestry:—Miss Higgie, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Honsa, Captain F. A. Macindoe, Messrs. ■S. Gerard, W. Platt, S. A. Rastall, O. A. Welch, T. C. Woodford, and R. G. Coyte.