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CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT

The following is the report of the Council of Christian Congregations to be presented at the annual meeting: Once again we would record our gratitude to Almighty God as wo prcseift this, the fourth annual report of the Council of Christian Congregations of Palmerston North. Much work has been accomplished and we feel thankful that there has been no diminution in the splendid spirit of harmony and brotherly co-operation which exists between the various congregations of our city. In addition to the other retiring officers it will be necessary for the council to elect a secretary in the place of ltev. H. S. Kenney who, owing to the pressure of other duties, feels himself compelled to relinquish that office. Four quarterly and two special meetings have been held during the year. The attendance has been fairly satisfactory. Special meetings of the executive have also been held as required. The church rally took place in September and October of last year. All the churches concerned have expressed their satisfaction at the results which were achieved. Much valuable experience was gained and the effort was a pleasing manifestation of the integral harmony which exists in this city between the various branches of the Christian Church. A number of combined services have been held during the year under the auspices of the council. Two were held during the church rally period—-one being addressed by ltev. T. Fielden Taylor, of Wellington, and the other by Rev. J. Paterson, of Wanganui. On Anzac Day the usual combined service was held in All Saints’ Church, the speaker being Captain J. M. Stewart. In connection with the jubilee of the city which was hold last March the council conducted a service in the Opera House. The Mayor and councillors, together with a large assemblage of citizens, were present and an eloquent address was delivered by Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt. Wlulo it is regretted that permission cannot be obtained for entry into schools during school hours for the giving of Scripture lessons, yet we are glad to report that arrangements have been made in three schools—College Street, Central and Terraco End—for a representative of the council to attend and give a brief lesson weekly outside of school hours. AVhile it is realised that this is very -inadequate, at least wo feel that it'is a step in the right direction. At the request of the Bible in Schools League the council is arranging to take a referendum of parents of children attending local schools on this important subject. As an outcome of the church rally movement a proposal was brought forward that a simultaneous mission should be held this year in all the churches of Palmerstno North. The proposal has been adopted with enthusiasm, and we are happy to report that six churches have appointed missioners for a great effort to be held from the Ist to 12tli September. Possibly never before has this town been visited by such a band of outstanding preachers and evangelists as will be here in September. Among them are Canon Arthur Williams, of Hawke’s Bay; Revs. H. Iv. Archdall, C W. B. Seton and Win. Ready, of Auckland; Rev. Ernest Weeks, of Wellington; Rev. H. Gilbert, of Hamilton; and Rev. Basil Metson, of Napier. The twelve days of the mis-' sion will reach their culmination in a great combined service of thanksgiving in All Saints’ Church on Monday. 12th September. The council has sustained a severe loss in the departures of Revs. M A. Rugby Pratt and C. W. Duncumb. Both up to the time of their departure had been loyal members of the council, who exerted a powerful influence in the community. We welcome their successors, Revs. J. Parsons and F. Crawshaw, together with Rev. P. Wiltshire. In conlusion, the council desires to express its thanks to tho vicar and vestry of All Saint s for their kindness in placing a hall at the disposal of the council for meetings. Our thanks are also due to tho proprietors of the two local papcis for thoir kind consideration in giving publicity to the work of the council through their columns. As we make our plans for another year we would commend our work to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all +Koj-. we ask or think,.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19270815.2.116

Bibliographic details

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 8

Word Count
722

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 8

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 8