WORK OF THE CHURCHES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 225, 23 August 1932, Page 9

WORK OF THE CHURCHES

CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS’ COUNCIL. IMPORTANT TASK COMMENCED. A meeting of tho Council of Christian Congregations was held in St. Andrew’s Memorial Hall last evening, Mr E. T. Vasey, the president, occupying the chair. Also present were Revs. L. G. B. Whitehead, J. D. McArthur, A. N. Scotter, D. J. Davies, Ensign E. Thorne, Messrs A. H. Fisher, J. Ax, G. 11. Bennett, T. R. Hodder, S. Nairn and R. S. Robinson (secretary). Apologies were' voiced for Revs. G. T. Brown, O. G. 11. Bycroft. Canon G. Y. Woodward, C. Hyde and Mr W. P. Anderson.

Tho president extended a cordial welcome to Rev. Mr Scotter and Ensign Thorne, who were present for tho first timo and who were elected to the council’s executive. DECISION TO CONTINUE.

The president explained that tho council had originated when Rev. H. G. Blackburne was vicar of All Saints’. It had been felt that the clergy could bo assisted by tho laymen. Since then, tho council had ridden on quiet waters until two years ago when it had rtublous times. Now it was a question as to whether it should continue. Tho council had been responsible for the local Bible-in-schools movement, with marked success, had conducted a Church rally, and had organised a united mission with wonderful success; but since then little had been done. However, a very definite load for important work had been given by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, the Farmers’ Union, and, just recently, Mr Stanley Baldwin, at the Ottawa Conference. Mr Vasey was sure that there was great scopo in Palmerston North for the council to do active work. The first decision would he that of carrying on or not. Rev. Mr Brown had expressed tho hope that tho council would blossom forth. Mr Vasey said it would bo fatal to disband. Canon Woodward said in a letter that he and Rev. Mr Hyde had agreed as to the council’s usefulness, but did not consider that it should continue with forced programmes. Both favoured tiro movement, and were willing to assist. The body could lie dormant in the meantime until a big question required it to be called together again. Mr Robinson stressed the work that had been done in the district on tho matter of the Bible in schools. The council was a body with which the City Council could communicate in matters of interest. Everywhere the council was recognised as useful. Mr Robinson said he would bo very sorry to see the council disband. Mr Bennett, one of the founders of tho council, said he would be very sorry to see it die out, as he realised its splendid service to tho town and later the city. It had been characterised by a brotherly spirit and much had been accomplished. There was a great work to be done, but Mr Bennett considered it would not be wise to hold regular meetings unless there was a vital matter for discussion. It was quite nice to fraternise, but something active was required. “I sincerely hope we will continue this association,” said Mr Bennett. Ensign Thorne asked who would consider the importance of a matter to call a meeting if the council disbanded. At the regular meetings subjects could be brought forward. Mr Robinson pointed out that the council met only quarterly at present.

Rev. Mr McArthur said that he considered the council should continue, but to revitalise it was the question. It would not bo wise to hibernate, but one had to bo sure of sufficient business when calling a meeting. Mr Hodder said that it would be a retrograde step to disband. He considered that a definite programme was necessary, however. Mr Vasey said a definite programme of work was required for the council, which should continue to exist so long as there were people not Christian in the Dominion. Mr Bennett moved that tho meeting decide that the council continue to operate, and Ensign Thorne seconded, tho motion being carried unanimously. Rev. Mr Davies said he was sure the parish of St. Peter’s would bo loyal to the council. BROADCAST SERVICES. The council considered tho matter of broadcast services and it was decided to pass the following resolution: —“That the Council of Christian Congregations approach the Broadcasting Board requesting that arrangements be made for the relay through 2ZF of the Sunday evening service from 2YA.” A committee comprising Rev. J. D. McArthur (convener) and Mr Hodder, with tho chairman and tho secretary, was set up to go into the matter. The same committee is to consider tho matter of Sunday morning broadcasts and to bring down suggestions and recommendations to tho various Church committees. MISSION AR Y EXHIBITION.

Tho council next considered the advisability of holding a united missionary exhibition by all tho Christian Churches in Palmerston North next August. Mr Vasey said that the missionaries should receive greater support, and that the people should bo educated to take an interest in their work. A “missionary mind” had to bo obtained. The Showgrounds halls could be proceured so as to be divided into “courts” for each church, e.g., China, Solomons, Melanesia, etc. There could bo an exhibition of stamps, a concert chamber for missionary plays, and a supper room provided. Tho churches could tako turns in producing the entertainments during the day and night. There would be no unduly heavy work on any of tho churches. If it cost £l5O and 5000 people paid Is each over ten days and 1000 paid a Od eacli for suj>per, there would be a profit of £175. The Church of England authorities had promised assistance. Mr Bennett expressed thanks to Mr Vasey for Iris keen interest in evolving the scheme, which, he said, had vast possibilities. Any work which concerned children would evoko interest in all classes of tho community. Mr Bennett moved that the council recommend tho scheme to the various church boards, and Mr Hodder seconded tiro motion, stating that a similar scheme had once been lield with success by All Saints’ Church. Tho scheme was _ somewhat ambitious, but could be worked up. The meeting gave the matter consideration and it was decided to circularise all churches and Sunday schools on tho matter. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. The meeting had brought before it by the chairman tho necessity of urging tho Biblo-in-Schools movement. The secretary said that there should bo active demonstration in support of tho matter. Mr Hodder mentioned that Hon. L. M. Isitt and Rev. E. O. Blamires should be approached. Mr Vasey suggested holding a monster rally. Rov. Mr Scotter moved that the executive get into touch with Mr Blamires regarding a visit from Mr Isitt. Mr Hodder seconded the mo-

tion, which was carried. Ensign Thorne suggested the pencilling in of the Ojiera House booking for two Sundays prior to tho session commencing. Capable speakers could be obtained.—The matter was referred to the executive.

Tho meeting expressed gratification and appreciation of the action of the businessmen of the city in commencing mid-day prayer meetings. The council decided to hold its next meeting on November 8, which will bo the annual meeting. Tho meeting accorded Mr Vasey a vote of appreciation for liis work. Rev. Mr Scotter closed proceedings with tho Benediction.

Mrs Vasey kindly served supper during the evening and was accorded a warm vote of appreciation.