CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 226, 22 August 1928, Page 11

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

COUNCIL OF CONGREGATIONS

ANNUAL AIEETING LAST NIGHT.

Rev. J. Milburn Stewart presided over the annual meeting of the Council of Christian Congregations last night. There was a good attendance, wliilo apologies for absence were received from Revs. J. Kenney, F. A. Crawshaw, J. D. McArthur, G. T. Brown, J. C. Abbott and Wiltshire and Messrs Verry and H. E. Pacey. Tho fifth annual report stated that much good work had been accomplished and tho members felt thankful for the splendid spirit of harmony and brotherly co-operation which existed between the various congregations of the town. Tho meetings of tho council and of tho execution had been fairly well attended. The outstanding event of tho year had been the simultaneous mission held from September Ist to 12>th last in six churches—All Saints and St. Peter’s Anglican, Cuba Street and Broad Street Methodist, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and Broad Street Congregational. Tli© missioners were Rev. H. K. Archdale, Rev. C. B. Seton and Rev. W. Ready, from Auckland, Rev. Canon Ai'thur Williams, from Hawke’s Bay, Rev. E. Weeks, from Wellington, Rev. H. Gilbert, from Hamilton and Il§v. B. Metson, from Napier. The ministers were accorded a civic reception by the Mayor and it was felt that much good was accomplished through the mission. The interest of the people of the town and district was shown by the large congregations assembled night after night during the mission and also at the two great thanksgiving services held in All Saints and St. Andrews Churches at tlie closo of the mission. Reference was made to the death of one of the missioners, Rev. W. Ready who, while carrying on the work of the Master at tho Cuba Street Methodist Church, was called to rest from liis labours. On Anzac Day the usual combined service was lielil at St. Andrew’s Church, the speaker being Rev. J. E. Parsons. During tho year a referendum of the parents of children attending the local schools was taken. The result showed that fully 80 per cent were in favour of the aims of the Bible in Schools Leaguo. At the request of tlie league the council arranged for a public meeting when the speakers were Rev. Mr Paterson, of Wanganui, and Rev. Air Patchett, of Wellington. There was a fair attendance of tho public and a motion in favour of the league’s objects was carried. The P 1 ’ 0 " sident was elected to represent tlie council on tlie Prison Reform League Committee. It had been intended to hold a mission hero during the year by Rev. Lionel Fletcher, but owing to illness it was found that 'the missionei would not be able to carry on the mission this year. The council had pleasure in welcoming MiS6 Hardie, representative of the Y.W.C.A., «Re\J. Neild, All Saints, and Mr I. Kaufmann, secretary of the A.M.G.A. Tho. council had sustained the loss '!lirough departure of Rev. G. W • Dent, Rev. H. T. Peat and Mr Iveesing, secretary of the Y.M.y.A. Thanks wero extended to All Saints and St. Andrew’s Church for tho use of rooms for meetings of the council, and to the proprietors of the local papers for their kind consideration in inving publicity to the work of the council through their columns.

GOOD WORK ACCOMPLISHED

Mr G. H. Bennett said that the results of the year had fully justified tlie work of the council. V. the intention in forming the council had been to achieve unity among the churches and to forward the Kingdom of God. Hie work had to some extent been accomplished and the combined mission had revealed to the townspeople the unity of the Christian Cliuich. t had shown that, although they had minor differences, they were all members of the body of the Christian Church. He congratulated thcsecretary and president on the work they had done and expressed regret at the impending departure of the president. Mr T. R. Hodder referred to tlie efficient manner in which the referendum had been taken on the question ol the Bible-in-Schools. He thought it had brought before parents the matter prominently and for that alone the council had been worth while. the mission had given to Christian people and others in uplift that had been a o-reat help, and he hoped that there would bo another mission this year. There had been no friction during the past- year and for that they should be pleased. The chairman referred to the Prison Reform League, stating that lie had attended its meetings and had found that it was doing good work throughout the Dominion. It was assisting in many ways those who had got into trouble. He also spoke appreciatively of the work of the council secretary (Mr Robinson) who had given a good deal of time to. the corresjxindence and other matters., Ho had done his work in an earnest and conscientious manner, while Mrs Robinson had assisted by entertaining visitors. A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to Mr and Mrs Robinson, Mr Robinson suitably returning thanks. Tlie balance-sheet showed the receipts (including 4s lOd brought forward from last year) to have been £44 16 6d and the expenditure £4O 19s Id, leaving a credit balance of £3 17s sd. Tlie report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS,

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow: —President, Mr T. R. Hodder; vice-presidents, Rev. J. E. Parsons and Mr J. Ax; secretary and treasurer, Mr R. S. Robinson (reelected); executive. Rev. Canon Fancourt, Rev. G. T. Brown, Messrs J. J. Whitehead, G. H. Bennett and 0. Monrad, with the other officers exofficio ; auditor, Mr G. H. Bennett. In vacating the chair, Rev. Mr Stewart stated that his duties had been of a very pleasant nature and in handing over the reins of office to Mr Hodder he trusted that his term of office would be fruitful and successful. Mr Hodder, in returning thanks for his election, said that, of all work he engaged iq, that in connection with the churches he enjoyed most,of]all. Ho would do his best and they should remember that they were ono body working for one end.

MORTUARY CHAPEL WANTED,

Rev. Canon Fancourt stated that he had been asked by Rev. J. C. Abbott to bring up the fact that there was no shelter at the new cemetery. He understood that it was the intention of the Borough Council to have ono erected and he trusted that this would be done as soon as possible. He moved that the matter be brought under the notico of the council with a request that it provide a mortuary chapel as soon as possible. This was seconded by Mr G. H. Bennetl and agreed to.

GENERAL

Tho secretary stated that Mr F. M. Keesing had written asking him to forward to Rev. E. Simpson, of Tauranga, particulars of tlie council’s work. Ho had done so and had re-

ceivorl a letter from Mr Simpson thanking him for the information given and stating that he proposed moving in the direction of forming a cvnncil of churches in that town. The president was appointed to represent the council on the Prison Kcform League. . „ A letter was received from the Returned Soldiers’ Association thanking the council for its donation of £0 os towards tho association’s benevolent fund. . . , Rev. G. T. Brown forwarded a letter he had received from Mr J. E. Kinnear, on behalf of the Nile Mission Press, asking if a combined lecture could ho arranged in Palmerston North. Mr Brown stated that he had made the necessary arrangements, and this action was endorsed by the meeting. ilio meeting closed with the Benediction pronounced by ltcv. Mr Stewart.