CHURCHES OF CHRIST

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 109, 8 April 1926, Page 5

CHURCHES OF CHRIST

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. BUSINESS CONCLUDED. ■ The annual conference of the Associated Churches of Christ was concluded at Invercargill on Monday. On Saturday the following resolution was carried unanimously: “Be it resolved that this Dominion conference recprds its unqualified appreciation of the sorvices rendered to the foreign field by our Bro. Coulter on his recent visit to South Africa and its gratitude for his personal sacrifice in making these services available to the Dominion brotherhood. It records its sincere admiration of the fact that in himself ho has upheld the highest traditions of missionary sacrifice and enterprise, as well as his practical knowledge of building being used to benefit our mission, field; he was a consecrated and eager evangelist of the Cross. Further, this conference expresses its admiration and gratitude to tlio wife of Bro. Coulter for her patient sacrifice in assuming the responsibilities of a young family during her husband’s long absence, and joins her name to the resolution of gratitude. Finally, this conference of delegates in conference assembled affirms its grateful confidence in Bro. Coulter and holds him as one whose service has been a gift that will become increasingly valuable as the years pass to the Church we love.” Mr J. Inglis AVright was appointed general secretary and treasurer of foreign missions.

The general secretary, in reply to questions, pointed out that the scheme provided that the natives should be “Christianised” first. They must have, however, sufficient education to read the Bible in their own language. The education given would be equivalent to that given in Standard 111. He also stated that, for the purposes of selfdefence, it was absolutely essential that the AVord of God should be taught the black races, in view of the perplexing colour problem. The report of the Bible schools’ executive committee was presented by the secretary (Bro. Perkins) and was adopted. The committee for the ensuing term was elected as follows: Auckland, Messrs Glaister, Vickery, Knapp, Creamer, Greenwood, Collier, \V! Guyan and E. A. Perkins. Advisory committees were appointed in Wellington and Invercargill. In the evening a deputation representing the local branch of tlio New Zealand Alliance, comprising Mr J. S. Baxter and ltev. J. Tocher, waited on the conference to urge its continued sympathy and aid towards the aims of the Alliance.

Several certificates were presented to the representatives of various schools competing in the examinations. The teachers’ banner was presented to the Lower Hutt representative by Air Creamer (vice-president). The percentage gained was 95. The competition shield (for new scholars) was won by Hawera school, which gained the greatest number during the year, the school growing from 18 to 82. Medallions and long-service ribbons for teachers having had 25 years’ service were also presented. Messrs James Anderson, J. R. May (Pahiatua) ,and H. Grinstead (Palmerston North) were the recipients of long service honours in Sunday school work. A musical programme was rc-udered during the evening. The Social Problems Committees report, presented by Mr Grinstead. dealt with the work of the Church in relation to social and moral problems.

Tho following resolutions were unanimously agreed to: —“That this conference pledges itself to tho Now Zealand Alliance to use every endeavour to secure the abolition of the liquor traffic. It assures the Dominion oxecutive of its unswerving attitude, and exhorts churches, Sunday School officers and leaders of Bible classes to ever keep before the members the wisdom and righteousness of this great movement for the spiritual, moral and physical well being of the people of New Zealand. Further, that this conference urges the Alliance to press for a two-issue ballot paper. .

“That this conference expresses their profound regret that the Bill introduced by Sir Isitt was not placed, oil tho Statute Book, . and urges the members of the Associated Churches to give the Bill to be presentod to Parliament their fullest support, always providing that no oectarian denominational ' entry of teaching is allowed.” “That the advisability of associating ourselves with the new organisation on immigration he left in the hands of the social problems committee, and that this committee have tlio authority of conference to appeal to the churches for the necessary finance.” The committo for 1926-27 was elected as follows:—Messrs H. Grinstead (convener), A. E .Wright, L. Martin, H. Allan F. Marshall, AV. G. Carpenter; Mesdariies Allen and Duxfield. At the morning service on Sunday the .Church of Christ chapel was filled to its utmost capacity, the attendance of local adherents being greatly supplemented bv the visiting conference delegates. Sir A. A. Creamer presided at the Lord’s Supper.

In the afternoon Mr Riches preached the conference sermon, in which he spoke of the wonder of the name and character of Christ while at the evening service, Air AV. G. Carpenter preached to a crowded congregation. Ho stressed the point that the need of tho world was not a new religion, but a better understanding and a better acceptance of the principles expounded by Christ and his disciples.

On Alonday morning the report of the Freo Literature Committee was presented by Mr G. P. Cuttriss. It showed that during tho year a very largo quantity of literature had been sent to churches and that good work had been done. Air Inglis informed the conference that special sums to be devoted to this work had been given by the late Mr Elborn and the late Captain Stewart.

The report was adopted and the following committee was elected to deal with the work of this department: Alessrs G. P. Cuttriss (convener), Inglis AVright, AV. D. Alore, Wilson, Botting and J." Stokes.

The Church Extension Board report stated that in 1922 a loan of £IOO had been granted to tho Hawera Church. The board was now prepared to accept money from the brethren in the form of annuity investments. Good interest would be paid during the life-time on the understanding that upon his or her death, the capital sum would revert to the board, for church extension purposes. In reply to questions, it was pointed out that no moneys would be puid out until church properties were placed under' the Trust Board. Tlio chairman expressed the opinion that it would be a good thing if the largo

churches set the example to the small. Reports were received from 20 churches. The report was adopted and the committee elected, with Mr A. V. Williams as convener. The committee set up at the 1925 conference to inquire into the proposals mado by the Otago conference presented its report, and after considerable discussion it was definitely agreed to take over the Dunedin property and to establish a New Zealand College of the Bible. The following were elected as the committee: Messrs J. Ingiis Wright, Grinstead, • King, Cuttnss, Stones, More, Rotting, Collett, Creamer, Knapp, G. Day, the president, Mr T. Pryde, and the member from Christchurch. A remit urging that a triennial Dominion conference should be held in place of an- annual gathering, and that the North and South Islands should hold an annual conference, each to be responsible for the initiation and maintenance of home mission interests, was considered and was adjourned sine die. A motion pledging the conference to support the homo mission committee to the utmost was also passed. Messrs E. Vickery, Leng, Creamer, Gaister and Dick were appointed a publication committee. The conference concluded with thanks to president and secretaries, to the press, and to the Invercargill folk for their generous hospitality. The C.AV.A. held a public send-off to the mission fields of Mr and Mrs llider. Miss Neill presided, Mrs A. Duxfield, of Wanganui, delivering the addresses. The closing hymn and prayer brought the proceedings of the 1926 conference to a close. Auckland has been chosen for 1927 at Easter time*