PRESBYTERIAN OFFICEBEARERS' ASSOCIATION.

Evening Star, Issue 12764, 17 March 1906, Page 1

PRESBYTERIAN OFFICEBEARERS' ASSOCIATION.

The third annual report of"the Dunedin «nd Suburban Presbyterian Office-bearers' Association states that great interest is manifesbed in all brought forward for consideration, the general rule being that aU present take part in the discussion. Last year good results from action taken by this, Association in connection with the sustentation fund and lay pieachero were confidently anticipated. The Rev. R. Wood, late of Masterton, has been appointed organ Ling agent for the sustentation fund, and the Association's entire confidence in him and best wishes for abundant success in the work are herein expressed. The names of thirteen gentlemen bavec ben submitted to and accepted by the Presbytery as fully accredited lay preacheres, and. it ia anticipated that an amended scheme of preparation and examination of candidates, to be submitted by the Lay Preachers' Committee at an early, date to Presbytery, will, if adopted, result in this department- of the cluirches' work becoming popular with the Christian workers in our congregations, and that at no distant date a large roll of lay preachers .will be available for work at the smaller centres and in the outskirts of the various parishes. The question of the tenure of the pastorate is also receiving considerable attention, it being recognised by members that this is essentially -an office-bearers' Juestaoo. The address by the Rev. J. hisholm aroused considerable interest, a special meeting of the Association having* been held on the 16t& insfc. to discuss matters connected with the naovement, and it is hoped that a suggestion: by your Executive to hold a conference during Synod will be acted upon, and thus have the advantages and disadvantages of a change of tenure placed before all interested for their consideration. A new departure has been made this ybar in deciding tiat the aiauial meeting is to take the shape of a social evening,, to wiach all Presbyterian officcbearere and their lady friends are cordially invited. It is hoped thus-to arouse more, interest in tie aims of tbe Association and £aa|e a, larger, Dumber of office-bearers tobeotoe members and assist in the work' tha*is being, done. The Executive feel justified in saying there is much reason totake courage arid go forward, and trust that the good work already done may be followed by more zeal and earnestness for theT furtherance of the kingdom of the Master whom, -toe serve.