CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1074, 22 July 1924, Page 6

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

COUNCIL OF CONGREGATIONS,

Tho first annual meeting of the Palmerston North Council cf Christian Congregations was held last night, tho retiring president, Mr G. 11. Bennett, occupying the chair. There was a good attendance of representatives of the various churches, , while several apologies for absence were 1 received. ; j ANNUAL REPORT.

The report on the year’s working stated, 1 ' inter alia, that eight council meetings hail ! been held, the attendance at each being ; most gratifying. Five sub committees were formed during the year to investigate matters ot supreme importance to the welfare of the community. Thanks were due to the members for the efficient manner in , which they had discharged tho duties assigned to them. The council had arranged and conducted for sonic considerable tune citizens’ intercessory services, bul owing to the lack of interest they had to be discontinued. The council desired to place on record ils thanks and appreciation ot the work ot the clergy and laymen who successfully carried those services through. At the invitation of the vicar and vestry of All Saints' Church, the members of the ; council entered whole-heartedly into the i work of the healing mission last October. ' After referring to tlie resignation from the ; presidency of the Rev. il. G. Blackburne, the report stated that it had been unanimously agreed to ask Mr G. 11. Bennett to fill the position. During his short term of office he had discharged the duties assigned to him in a God-fearing and righteous maimer, and sincere thanks were tendered to him for services rendered to the council. In conclusion thanks were tendered lo the vicar and vestry of All Saints’ Church for their kindness und hospitality in "t-oviding a room for the meetings of the council. Thanks were also due to the local press for giving publicity to the work of the council. In moving the adoption of tho report, which was agreed to, tho chairman slated that, since the formation of the ci-until the feeling existing between the various congregations had never licen more tordial. < Aiuch had boon accomplished during the past year and much yet remained to bo i done. The balance-sheet, which disclosed a ! credit of los 6d, was also adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Air G. 11. Bennett; vice-presidents, Revs. W. Fancourt and 0. \V. Duncumb; secretary and treasurer. Rev. J. Al. Stcwurt; executive, Rev. G. T. Brown and Messrs T. R. Ilodder and D. W. Low. GENERAL.

An invitation was received from the vestry of All Bairds’ Church for tho members 'of the council to attend a welcome social to the Rev. \Y. Fancourt on Thursday evening.—It was decided that the Rev. Ilughy Pratt and tho chairman officially represent the council. After fitting reference had been made by the chairman to the work of the secretary during the past year, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded that gentleman. On tho motion of the Rev. G. T. Brown, who explained the proposed corporate control issue in connection with the taking of a ballot on tlie licensing question, it was decided to formally protest ugainst the inclusion of such an issue in any licensing legislation that might bo brought before Parliament. The Rev. C. \Y. Duncumb briefly addressed the meeting on (lie subject of gambling and, in the course of his r- marks, explained the propaganda work that was being carried out by the Wanganui Alinisters’ Association and tho Christchurch Council of Christian Congregations in connection with the gaming law.—lt was decided that a sub-committee, consisting of the chairman and the Revs. Rugby Pratt and Duncumb, bo sot up to report to the executive as to the advisability of s-'milar steps being taken in Palmerston North. It was further resolved to enter a protest against any increase in lacing permits or facilities for gambling. It was decided that letters of appreciation be sent to Messrs J. A. Nash and J. Fink- 1 later. AI. sP.. for their action in supporting the recent bill providing for Bible rcuding in schools. In connection with tho White Cross movement, Mr A. Gardiner was appointed the council’s representative on the local committee.

It was resolved to re-commence the lidding of intercessory services, tho first to he held on August 1 and thereafter every Friday.