LIFELONG SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 25634, 7 November 1945, Page 9

LIFELONG SERVICE

WORK DF OR J. J. NORTH ' RECOGNISED BY BAPTIST ASSEMBLY The long period of service to the Baptist Church in the Dominion of Dr J. J. North was recognised last night at the annual assembly of the Baptist Union and Missionary Society of New Zealand. Dr North is to retire after 50 years of service, 30 of which were in pastoral work and 20 years as principal of the New Zealand Baptist College. In addition, Dr North established a high, reputation by his work as editor of the 'New Zealand Baptist.' Throughout the Baptist Church in the Dominion there were men who revered the name of Dr North, said the president of the Assembly (the Rev. L. J. Boulton Smith). He was a true reformer and the possessor of a prophetic spirit, and he had, too, an abundance of the courage that was essential to such successful advocacy as he had achieved throughout his career of service. His ''exceptional vigour and personality were equally as successful in his capacity of, principal of the Baptist College and editor of the ' New Zealand Baptist '• as they had been in his parish work. His influence had been great, and the church had indeed been fortunate in the contribution which he had made to its progress. Speaking on behalf of the students who had studied under Dr North, the Rev. 11. L. Fursdon said that in every aspect of his work he had "set the pace." It had been a gruelling pace, but his encouragement and example had smoothed the path and inspired his students. It was an understatement to say that his personality, together with liis gift of leadership and the faculty for developing it in others would never be forgotten by those who bad come under his influence. The President read telegrams expressing appreciation of Dr North's outstanding service from the Deputymayor of Auckland, on behalf of the Auckland City Council, and from Mr R. M. Algie, M.P. for Remuera. Presentations 'were made from tho union and from Dr North's old students. Many incidents during his years of service wore referred to by Dr North in acknowledging the tributes paid to him and Mrs North. He emphasised the fact that Christianity did not need the aid of sensationalism. It was well able to stand on its own feet, and he asked his hearers only to make sure that they understood Christianity, It was not easy .to be Christians, but only in that way could they_ have true conviction and true satisfaction; Whimsical references to some of his own achievements imparted a vein of j humour to Dr North's address. I YOUTH WORK. The various departments of youth work were considered at the afternoon session of the Assembly. The report referred to the importance of leadership training the success of new publications, and the growth of the Frieiids of Youth movement. Appreciation was expressed of the enthusiastic and efficient work of the youth director (the Rev. P. L. A. Crampton). The statistical returns for Sunday schools showed an increase in roll strength of 328 to a total of 8,796, but concern was expressed at the fact that this increase was accounted for entirely in the Central and Otago-Southland auxiliaries. It was urged that every effort should be made to assist suburban schools and to revitalise many of tho city and long-established schools. The report of the Sunday School Council also stated! that the Sunday schools throughout New Zealand had been invited to share in the support and upkeep of children in the Indian field. A definite proposal had been made to enable native boys and girls to attend St, Paul's Mission School at Agartala, Tripura State, or, in case of Bengali boys and girls the Christian High School. It,was hoped that the now venture would bo widely supported.

The Young Men and Young Women’s Bible Class movements had made steady progress, according to the reports of their activities. The Easter camps throughout the Dominion had been very successful, and it was stated that in spite of travel difficulties the aggregate number of camps was a record.