BAPTIST W.Y.B.C. CAMP

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 105, 3 April 1926, Page 13

BAPTIST W.Y.B.C. CAMP

FUNCTION AT SHOWGROUND. DELEGATES WELCOMED BY CHURCH. Yesterday, at tho meoting-hall in tho Showground, rtpresontatives from tlio local Baptist Church tendered a formal welcome to tho Bible class delegates in camp. Mrs C. W. Duneumb presided and the proceedings optned with prayer and the singing of a hymn. ltov. C. W. Duncumb. on behalf of the local church and Bible classes, in rising to speak, said that lie deemed it a coveted honour tp welcome, such a number of young ladies to the town, and to his church. He felt sure that 130 representatives, en masse, would do much good for this city. “Every citizen,” continued Mr Duncumb, “must realise what a great contribution the camp is to the welfare of tho country.” Two years ago tho people would not have interested themselves in such a gathering, but now tho church realised it was an honour, and enthusiastically supported tho movement. Postponed anticipation had made, them look forward with increasing pleasure to the time when a camp would be held in Palmerston North and now that this had materil/sed, the prayer concentrated on tho camp would have answer in a richer fsfith.

The Rev. Duncumb then eulogised Hie services of the secretary (Miss G. Elliott) and said that all arrangements had been carefully planned, both large and small, and it would not bo due to the committee if the meetings were not successful. “We welcome you” continued the sneaker, “because you will augment the congregation on Sunday at the Municipal Hall, and inspire others, foi in tho gathering there will be the cream of church life. Therefore, it is my privilege to cordially welcome you on behalf of the local Baptist Church.”

Mrs Fear, of Wellington, in response, outlined tho work of arrangement, and thanked tho workers for the excellent facilities provided at the camp. She said that, since the time they had been met at the railway station, everything had been done to make their stay a comfortablo one. They wero thankful to the Church representatives for such a welcome, and thanked them accordingly. Mrs Fear said that ono cams to camp spiritually hungry and searched for good. Personally', that samo spirit had taken her to India on Church work and she felt that it was to the inspiration received at a camp that she owed everything. The roll call of classes represented at tho camp was then taken, and delegates responded from Wellington, Wanganui, Hastings, Hawera, Napier, New Plymouth, Petono and Palmerston Nort.i.

Mrs Kershaw, at this stage, delivered a very interesting camp talk. Appealing to the young women, to realise the significance of their motto, “study and serve,” she dwelt upon tlu* necessity of universal peace. Class prejudice had caused racial distrust and all this was contrary to the law of God, who preached that the Gospel should be taken to all lands.

Greetings for a successful camp were read from the Dominion President of the Young Women’s Bible Class Union; from the vice-presidents and the various camps throughout tho Dominion; Miss Arnold (missionary in India) sent her best wishes and a letter from Bengal was read and translated by Miss G. Harry, from that country. The function terminated with tho singing of a hymn and the pronouncing of the Benediction.