“SIGN OF THE TIMES"

Evening Star, Issue 17085, 2 July 1919, Page 8

“SIGN OF THE TIMES"

CHURCH UNION AND CO-OPERA-TION. The invitation extended by the Presbyterip.u General Assembly to the Methodist and Congregational Churches for cooperation in church and other work was tho subject of some remarks by tire Rev. James Gibb, D.D., at tho annual meeting of the Wellington Presoyterian Orphanage and Social Service Association last week. “It was ” lie said, “on© of the most significant things that had taken place, and is a ‘sign of the times.’ ” Inquiries were being made by tho General. Assembly and the Presbytery with a view to discovering the general feeling of church members regarding the union. There was a general feeling, and although the Assembly were of that mind, they could do nothing until assured of this. “Tho Assembly,” he continued. “ have taken a remarkable step forward in the direction of co-operation and of sharing with other churches the various departments of our work. A striking resolution was adopted at. the last meeting of the Assembly in February, when the Supreme Court of the Church had recommended that not- only should the social service work bo shared with other churches, but also, as far ns possible, the work of tho colleges and schools, and a special reference was made to the amalgamation of the work of theological edneacation.” They in Wellington were exactly in line with the mind of the Asfembly in having taken steps, first throngn the committee, and then through the Presbytery, to share the orphanage and social service work with the Congregational Churches of this neighborhood. Thera had been a good deal of negotiating, and he was happy to say that the issue was that the Congrcgtionalists had very cordially accepted the offer, and the basis of the committee’s operations included the Congregational as we-ll as the Presbyterian Church. The Rev, J. Reed Glasaon (Congregational Ministar) stated that the drawing together of three groat churches was one of tho moat'significant things inutile .religious sphere of tho Dominion. “ Tour groat, generous, and hospitable church, he said. “ has given us an opportunity of Faking part in this great and noble work. I, hope that this movement is only a step towards a still closer union.' Many members of his church had asked him thu question: “Why can’t we all be one?”