COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 22031, 17 May 1935, Page 6

COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

The quarterly meeting of the Council of Christian Congregations was held in First Church classroom last evening. The Rev. W. Allen Stevcly was confirmed in the office of president in place of. Dean Cruickshank, resigned. Mr C. A. Elsey was confirmed in the office of secretary, and asked to also retain the position of publicity secretary. The Rev. W. A. Hamblett was appointed an additional vice-president. In view of the early visit of Dr Kagawa to this city it was decided to ask this celebrated evangelist to honour the council by his presence at a luncheon on June 14, and it was agreed that members of the Methodist Provincial Conference be asked to join in that welcome. A letter from a peace demonstration committee was received, nothing being known of the cause concerned. A letter was received from Mr R. Rae on the subject of the Sunday working hours of service station proprietors and their staffs. Noted that the council had suggested some alteration in these conditions previously, but tiro matter was not favourably received by the people concerned at that time. Indications now were to the effect that the employees and proprietors would welcome some help towards amelioration of their hours, and it was decided to write to the secretary of the Service Station Proprietors’ Association as to the possibility of instituting a rota of working Sundays in each district for one station at each week. The treasurer’s statement showed a rapidly dwindling balance, and it was reported that apparently the Good Friday service was not appreciated in the centre of the town, through lack of conveyance, possibly, in the ease of some. The matter of finance generally was left to the executive to consider. On the subject of the Ansae service, which was held each year, it was suggested that possibly tin's was not desired in view of the larger gathering in the afternoon. The question was raise' 1 whether the parade and afternoon service on Anzac Day was also desired I ' the great majority of the people, am’ the day’s observance as a holid -' either. Jt was noted that the R.S. ■* was considering this aspect of the nv' ter, and as to whether November t 1 was not a better day to perpetuate. It was decided to offer the support of the council to the Returned Soldiers’ Association in any alteration that it may suggest along the lines indicated.