PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 November 1934, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

DUNEDIN GATHERING. [pee peess association.] DUNEDIN, November 8. At the Presbyterian Assembly the Rev. J. D. Smith spoke of the strong desire on the part of many for a brief, clear statement of the Church’s faith. He said that foolish criticism concentrated on what was left out. A brief statement gathered together what was commonly believed and necessary to an active Christian life. There was no intention to supersede the Westminster Confession of Faith, and he deprecated any vote on the basis of prejudice or the feai' of faith being undermined. It was decided to send a draft statement of the Church of Scotland to the Presbyteries for criticism and suggestion. The Treasurer said that members of the Church must be informed of the work being done, and he urged that the Church must face the increasing budgets because of reduced interest on investments and the present high exchange. The exchange had cost the Church £3OOO. The Treasurer expressed regret that so many congregations had been careless about paying their Assembly assessments. After a discussion on the Advisory Board report it was finally decided to pay the travelling expenses of the delegates in full and that the board remain as at present. It was decided that grants to the weak charges be on an annually reducing basis and to direct the presbyteries to press for amalgamation of the charges where possible. The Rev. Henry Barton, who presented a report on ministerial tenure and transference, said that the present system resulted, in some cases, in too shoit a tenure, while in others difficulty was found in facilitating a change of pastorate. Some congregations attached too little value to the service and experience and help of a bodj r of impartial advisers, which was of great value. He suggested that a 1 minimum pastorate of five years be the general rule, that an advisory committee be set up to facilitate transfers and give advice, and that provision be made for effecting exchanges on the lines operative at present in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.

It was agreed to send the report to the Presbyteries for consideration. The Presbyteries of Auckland and Bay of Plenty made overtures to the Assembly regarding broadcasting, and a committee was set up to consider the matter and report to a later meeting of the Assembly.

YOUTH WORK. This evening a demonstration osf youth work was held. Mr H. Manson urged the pressing need of an educated and enlightened leadership in youth work. The care of the problem lay in the leader. There was only one way of meeting the situation, and the minister must, accept responsibility for it. Large numbers of children and young people were outside the influence of the Church. Sister Kirkwood, Young Women’s Bible Class travelling secretary, urged that the Church was the spiritual parent of her young people, and must equip them for life’s warfare. The homes of the land would take no responsibility. The Church alone was able to do so, because she had the machinery and equipment, yet the Church was not doing her part, for the membership was not aware of the opportunity. The Christian conscience must be aroused.

A well-arranged pageant, “The Highroad of the King,” was presented to a large audience. The home Was portrayed and the influence on the child, then the cross roads of youth leading on to the period when Christian service was entered upon.