CONGREGATIONAL UNION

Evening Star, Issue 17924, 21 March 1922, Page 8

CONGREGATIONAL UNION

At tho Congregational Union Conference, at CJiristchureh yesterday tho report of the Loudon Missionary Society's work was read. It showed that a record contribution was ensured for 1921-22, the amount for Australasia standing at £15,400, which other returns yet to come would bring up to £16,000. Tho Rev. J. Paterson, on behalf of the Christehurch Presbytery, extended greetings to the council. While it gave him pleasu.ro to do so, he also expressed his sorrow that ho could not ignore tho position that had arisen ; yet he felt the decision tho council had arrived at in regard to union had been made under Divino guidance. Ho stated frankly that when the Congregational proposals wero placed before tho Presbytery they were surprised that more had not been asked for. The verdict of the union would fill the Presbyterian Church with infinite regret. He hoped that what had happened would be an impetus to tho life and service of the Church.

The Rev. J. i, North, representing the. Baptist Church of New Zealand, stated his conviction of the large differences that existed between tho various denominations. There was a great gulf dividing tho heirarchical and evangelical minds. Ho felt intently tho large place tho Congregational Church had held in tho development of tho general community.