COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 20486, 17 May 1930, Page 3

COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

VOTE TO UNEMPLOYED The regular meeting of the council tools place in the Bible Class Hall of First .Church on Thursday eveuiug. There was a large attendance of representatives of the affiliated churches. One feature of the attendance was the large body of laymen present, showing that this united organisation is making a strong appeal to the men of the church. The Bov. E. S. Tuckwel) (.president) presided. > Amongst the correspondence was a communication from the Society of Musicians outlining a programme for a “ Music Week ” throughout the dominion, and asking for tue co-operation of the council and the churches through the council.. Remembering what a great part music has played in connection with tlie Christian Church, it was decided to cordially agree to the suggestion, in so far as the communication referred to'a suecial Sunday (July 27) being set aside as “Music Sunday,” and the council recommended the churches to accept the idea. In order that there might be as complete cooperation as possible between the society and the council, the president and the ex-president were appointed to confer with any committee that the Society of Musicians might appoint. In the course of the discussion appreciative reference was made to the innumerable services which members of the society and other musicians had rendered to the churches.

A report on tho mission conducted by the Rev, L. E. Fletcher last October was submitted by the Rev. W. Saunders. Though the report was far from complete it was decided, to send a copy to each minister. The benefits accruing from the mission were generally thought to be well worth while. A report from the committee set up to look into the matter of a new syllabus of Bible lessons for the schools was submitted, but was referred back to tho committee, so that it might further confer with tho Council of Religious Education. The uew r syllabus could not bo put into effect before next year.

The report of the executive on tho proposed “Dunedin and Suburban Church Census ” was adopted. This involves the carrying' out of a house-to-house canvass of the whole area, and the tabulating of certain information. It was decided to ask the churches to try and complete it within the next two or three weeks. The canvass would culminate with a “Come to Church Month” in Juno, with a suggested church programme for that month. At the instance of the president a discussion took place on a Press report to the effect that some 200 men engaged on relief work at Lake Hawea were without either religious or recreational facilities. As contradictory information was forthcoming, it was decided to seek further facts, and the executive was asked to act when the information was obtained. Cordial thanks were accorded to Mr R. Spackman. Knox Church organist. Dr Galway, First Church organist, and Bugler Coglan for their services on Anssac Day in the church services. A lengthy discussion, took place on tho prevalent unemployment and consequent prevailing distress. _ Reports of what was being done to assist wore submitted. Ultimately £lO was voted for unemployment relief, and it was decided to recommend the churches to take up retiring collections at a suitable date for relief funds. The collection from tho Good Friday service was also to go to that fund.