PRESBYTERY OF WESTLAND

Grey River Argus, 17 April 1947, Page 7

PRESBYTERY OF WESTLAND

Rev. T. G. Campbell, Moderator, presided at the bi-monthly meeting of the Westland Presbytery, when Mr J. Tennant reported on a recent laymen’s conference at Lower Hutt, held to consider needs of new housing areas for church ministrations. He gave instances of • the rapidity with which some North Island new housing areas are being filled, and of measures already taken by the Church to ’ establish churches and halls in these, and of the commission’s campaign. to raise £25,000 to facilitate this work in other cities. A welcome was given to Sister E. Campbell of the Assembly youth staff, who spoke of the work done among the 35,000 Sunday school children and 12,000 Bible class members of the Church in New Zealand. The most pressing problem was that of leadership. The Assembly Youth Committee, through the leadership training courses, and schools, was doing all in' is power to encourage young folk to equip themselves as leaders.

Rev. W. S. Brettell reported on the Easter camp held at Ross. Some 125 young people attended the camp 'which in every way was a worth while effort.

The Presbytery approved an application from the Session of Saint John’s Church for a .long service diploma for Miss C. Brown, who for many years hos given valuable service to the Sunday school. Rev. C. W. Madill, of Westport, Missions Convener, reported that next month two missionaries, Sister Elliott, and Rev. W. M. Ryburn, both from India, would visit various charges in the Presbytery. At Cobden Hall the Presbytery in the presence of parishioners from Greymouth-Cobden and Central Westland charges, welcomed Miss Mary Jacobs as a probationer Deconess in Cobden and Brunnerton. The Moderator conducted the service. Rev. K. T. F. Larsen (Hokitika) spoke of the work of the Church; emphasising that the appointment of another full time worker in the area was not an excuse for anyone to ease up, but rather a call to more intensive Christian work on the part of office-bearers. Deaconess, members and adherents.

Mr Campbell introduced Miss Jacobs, also Sister Agnes Lahore, of Auckland, and Sister Elizabeth Campbell of the Assembly youth staff, who addressed the gathering. Miss Jacobs was welcomed by the Moderator on behalf of Central Westland; Mrs O’Hara on behalf ot the Cobden women; Mr P. East, Cobden managers and congregation; Miss M. Marshall, Brunnerton Presbyterian Sunday School; and Mr D. Walker, Brunerton Bible Classes. Miss Jacobs thanked all speakers for their welcome and asked for the co-operation of the parishioners and promised her prayerful and wholehearted service to the congregation. Musical items were rendered by Mesdames P. Daniels and E. McCarrigan, accompanied by Mrs R.. White. Mr E. Law officiated at the organ during the service.