UNITED MISSION

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 13

UNITED MISSION

FINAL MEETING The executive of the Council of the Christian Congregations met at Knox Church yesterday afternoon. The Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher was present at the earlier part of the meeting, and the executive took occasion to refer to the mission which was drawing to a close. The president, tho Revs. W. A. Hamhlett, G. Wilier (secretary), H. E. Bellhouse, and Mr E. Rosevear voiced the feelings of the executive and of the churches of tho city. Every speaker dwelt upon the sanity and wisdom of tho methods of the mission. His winsomeness, bonhomie, and humour, as well as his impassioned, moral, and spiritual grip had laid hold of all of the speakers and some thousands of people in Dunedin. The inspiration and renewed spiritual life which had come to hundreds of church members would be of incalculable value, and would mean a great addition to the strength of the church generally. The generosity of Mr Fetcher’s church in releasing him for this work was specially appreciated. The final meeting of the mission was held in Knox Church last night, when tho building was packed. Tho Revs. W A. Hamblett and G. Miller, officials of the council, were associated with Mr Fletcher in the pulpit. The Rev Mr Hamblett said that he had been asked to make public acknowledgment that night of Mr Fletcher’s faithful work in the city. His message had been characterised by faithfulness. He had been faithful to his Master and faithful to the people. The whole work had been beyond reproach. He thanked Mr Fletcher on behalf of the ministers, officials, and people of the churches for his unstinted and generous services. Mp Hamblett further stated that tho offerings were just about sufficient to meet the expenses of the mission. Mr Fletcher came at no charge to the council. In reply, Mr Fletcher stated that both in the afternoon and in the evening all too generous things had been said as regarded him and the mission. Ho. had not conducted such a mission for over five years. In all his previous missions Mrs Fletcher had been with him, and was a tower of strength, hut illness in tho family had prevented her being with him. She had been there, however, in spirit. She was rejoicing with them over the results of the mission. He would always ■remember the concerts in prayer. He would only give a simple talk to them. His text was. Eph. v. 18, “Be filled with the spirit.” God’s gift to man was eternal life. But ho .must take care not to take himself out of the Father’s hands. There were some people who were filled with doubts and. fears; those were the chief ingredients of their religion. God wanted to give them joy. Lot all set their lives right. Profession without right conduct and character was ruinous. Confession of Christ was essential. God was in all the future. Let all read their Bibles and pray ever day. They should join tho church at once and get into Christian service. Tho conclusion of the meeting was very impressive, as Christian people in hundreds rose to re-consecrate themselves to Christ and the church, and a little later some scores of people signified their intention of Jinking I upwith Christ in life and service.